Kamala Harris Names Tim Walz as Her Running Mate

Vice President Kamala Harris announced Tuesday that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be her running mate. Walz, 60, is an outspoken Midwesterner with a notable career in public service. Here are five things to know about him:

1. Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, serving for 24 years, including supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired as Command Sergeant Major and is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress.

2. The Nebraska-born Walz has a Bachelor's in Social Science from Chadron State College and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University.

3. He met his wife, Gwen Whipple, a teacher, in Nebraska. They married in 1994, moved to Minnesota in 1996, and founded Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., organizing student trips to China.

4. Elected Minnesota Governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Walz faced criticism for his response to George Floyd's murder by police and the subsequent protests. He activated the National Guard as protests turned violent with over half a billion dollars in damages.

5. Chauvin and three other officers were convicted of charges related to Floyd's death, highlightingraceial justice reform and police brutality issues.