UMD Political Professor Discusses Gov. Walz As Harris’ V.P. Pick

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was selected to Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris’ Vice President pick on Tuesday.

In light of Gov. Walz becoming Harris’ running-mate, the political spotlight turned to Minnesota as many outside the Midwest look into Walz’s record.

Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Walz has voted to protect reproductive freedom for woman and gender-affirming care for trans individuals.

In 2023, Walz passed Minnesota’s single-largest investment in education, totaling $2.3 billion.

Walz also broke ground on several housing and redevelopment investments state-wide.

However outside the Midwest, Tim Walz remains relatively unknown. UMD Associate Professor of Political Science Cindy Rugeley says that Walz’s beliefs align with Harris’ campaign and that his TV demeanor that seems to resonate with voters.

“When people talk about authentic, he’s (Walz) an authentic guy. That makes a difference. He checks a lot of boxes,” said Rugeley. “I mean he was born in a rural area. His family had their hardships that they had to overcome. He’s a military veteran, and a proud military veteran. He was a school teacher, he was a coach. Fundamental, I mean, he’s a pro-union guy. He just checks a lot of boxes.”

If Harris and Walz win the election in November, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flannigan will be Minnesota’s first woman and Native American governor in Minnesota.

Minnesota Senator Bobby Joe Champion would then become Minnesota’s first black lieutenant governor.

To see a full list of Governor’s Walz accomplishment click here.