Vice President Kamala Harris Names Progressive Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Her Running Mate

URL: Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

Who is Tim Walz?

• Age: 60 (born in Nebraska, raised in a small rural town)
• Military service: Enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, serving for 24 years, retiring as Command Sergeant Major. [Highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress.][https://www.congress.gov/115/meeting/house/105558/witnesses/HHRG-115-HA00-Bio-WalzT-20170215.pdf]
• Education: Bachelor's in social science, Master's in educational leadership.
• Spouse: Gwen Whipple, teacher, and founder of Educational Travel Adventures, Inc.
• Minnesota Governor: First elected in 2018, with a focus on progressive policies. Reelected in 2022.

His Response to George Floyd's Murder

Walz faced criticism for his handling of the police murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests. While he activated the National Guard as protests turned violent, with over half a billion dollars in damages, the event highlights the need for police reform and racial justice.

"Floyd’s murder by Derek Chauvin catapulted Minneapolis into the national spotlight, acting as a microcosm of racial justice reform in the 21st century and public pressure to address police brutality."

Chauvin and three other officers were rightfully convicted.