Biography
Timothy James Walz, known as Tim Walz, is an American politician, former teacher, and retired non-commissioned officer of the United States Army, currently serving as the 41st Governor of Minnesota since January 2019.
Born April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, Walz’s path to political prominence was shaped by a diverse background. He served 24 years in the Army National Guardretired as a command sergeant major, with deployments including support for Enduring Freedom Campaign.
Before pursuing a career in politics, Tim Walz was a high school social studies teacher and football coach, where he led his team to a state championship. He earned a Chadron State College and Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State UniversityMankato.
Walz, a Democrat, was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2006. He represented Minnesota’s 1st congressional district until 2019. During his time in Congress, he focused on veterans issues and served as ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Elected Governor of Minnesota in 2018, Tim Walz’s administration has emphasized education, health care, and infrastructure, with notable initiatives such as free school meals, reproductive rights protections, and advances in clean energy.
In 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate for the presidential election. His selection was seen as an effort to appeal to a wide range of American voters, especially in rural and working-class communities, with his Midwestern background, military service, and experience as an educator.
Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz |
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 Tim Walz: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Timothy James Walz |
| Stage name: | Tim Walz |
| Born: | April 6, 1964 (age 60) |
| Place of birth: | West Point, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | Chadron State College, Minnesota State University |
| Height: | 1.87 minutes |
| Parents: | James F. Walz, Darlene R. Walz |
| Siblings: | Craig Walz |
| Couple: | Gwen Walz (married 1994) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Gus Walz, Hope Walz |
| Job: | Politician • Former teacher |
| Net worth: | $112,003 – $330,000 (USD) |
Early life and education
Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, a small rural town that shaped his early values of community and hard work. His heritage includes German, Swedish, Irish, and Luxembourgish ancestry.
His father, James F. Walz, was a high school administrator, and his mother, Darlene Rose Walz (née Reiman), was active in community affairs. The loss of his father to lung cancer at a young age may have influenced his later commitment to public service.
Walz attended Chadron State Collegegraduated in 1989 with a degree in social science education. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in educational leadership from Minnesota State UniversityMankato, 2001.
Career
Tim Walz, born April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, began his career combining military service and education. At age 17, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving for 24 years and retiring as a Command Sergeant. Walz earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from Chadron State College and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to pursuing a career in politics, he taught social science and coached football, leading Mankato West High School to a state championship in 1999.
Walz’s political journey began in 2006 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota’s 1st District. In Congress, he is known for his work on veterans’ issues, serving as the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. His legislative focuses include education, health care, and infrastructure, reflecting his teaching background and military service.
Elected as Minnesota’s 41st governor in 2018, Tim Walz has prioritized major education reforms, including the largest investment in public education in the state’s history. His administration also introduced free school meals, expanded pre-kindergarten, and increased mental health resources for students. His pragmatic approach aimed to address the urban-rural divide and appeal to a broad electorate.
In 2024, Walz’s political career gained national prominence when he was chosen as Kamala Harris’ running mate in the presidential election. His selection was intended to resonate with rural and working-class voters, highlighting “A Midwestern Dad’s Feelings” and Minnesota’s governing record. The move underscores his appeal as a candidate who connects with a diverse group of voters through his military service, education and pragmatic governing style.
Social media
- Twitter: Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz)
- Facebook: Governor Tim Walz
- Instagram: Governor Tim Walz (@mngovernor)
Personal life
Tim Walz has been married to Gwen Walz since 1994. Gwen, whose real name is Gwen Whipple, is from Glencoe, Minnesota and grew up in the western part of the state.
Prior to Tim’s political career, Gwen was actively involved in education and has since focused on advocacy, particularly prison reform. Their marriage has been marked by shared professional and personal experiences, including their struggles with infertility.
The Walzes have two children: a daughter named Hope Walz and a son named Gus Walz. After years of fertility treatments, their daughter, Hope, was born, and Tim Walz has been public about their journey to advocate for reproductive rights. Their son Gus has been diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorder, which has affected the family’s approach to education and advocacy efforts.
Tim Walz is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
Net worth
Tim Walz’s net worth is estimated to range from $112,003 to $330,000, not including any potential federal pensions, which could significantly increase that amount. Compared to many politicians, Walz’s finances are relatively modest.
He and his wife, Gwen, do not hold stocks, own additional real estate beyond their primary residence (which they have sold), or invest in mutual funds, bonds, or other securities. Their income consists primarily of Tim Walz’s salary as Governor of Minnesota and Gwen Walz’s income as an educator.
