Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, according to multiple media reports. Adding Walz to the ticket gives Harris a new, much needed ally, and brings suburban-and-rural appeal and positive, progressive patriotism not previously present in the competition.
Walz is a military veteran, former public school teacher and six-term congressman and has served as governor since 2018. He also helped turn Minnesota from a swing state into a progressive stronghold in the Midwest and has an extensive pro-LGBTQ+ record, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
In July 2021, Walz signed an executive order banning conversion therapy in his state, making Minnesota one of the first states to bar the controversial practice. He has also supported legislation to protect LGBTQ+ youth in foster care and has been vocal about the need for comprehensive non-discrimination protections. As well, he signed an executive order — becoming one of the first in the country to do so — to protect patients and providers of gender-affirming health care from prosecution by states with bans in effect.
His appointment of LGBTQ+ people to key positions in his administration has made Minnesota a leader in LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
Even as a history teacher in the 1990s, Walz helped start his school’s first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). During his time as a congressman, Walz advocated for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“Not once did I see that this nation was safer because a soldier was removed because of sexual orientation,” Walz said in a 2009 House floor speech.
But his impressive list of accomplishments doen’t end there. He spent 24 years in the Army National Guard, played an instrumental role in the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and was an early supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act.
As governor, Walz has helped get progressive policies through, including free school meals and expanded paid worker leave, clearly demonstrating his commitment to addressing the needs of all communities.
