Tim Walz’s journey into politics may have been sparked by a 1999 state championship run. This achievement could very well lead Walz to a pivotal moment in his career as he has been selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate on the Democratic Party ticket.
Previously a member of the US House of Representatives, Walz assumed office as the Governor of Minnesota in 2019.
Before his political career, Walz worked as a teacher and high school football coach in both Nebraska, his birthplace, and Minnesota, where he later settled.
At Alliance High School in Nebraska, Walz coached football and met his future wife before relocating to Minnesota.
In 1996, he began teaching geography at Mankato West High School while also serving as the defensive coordinator for the football team.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz has been tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate
Walz is a veteran and a former teacher as well as an ex-high school football coach
‘I was a defensive coordinator,’ Walz shared with Pod Save America. ‘Our team ran a 4-4 defense, monitoring guards at the time. I had talented players and strong linebackers.’
‘During my coaching years, it was rare to see a 2,500 to 3,000-yard passer on the opposing team, but that was beginning to change.’
Walz’s defensive strategies led Mankato West to their first state championship title in 1999.
Today, Mankato West stands as one of Minnesota’s elite football programs, having clinched four state titles since Walz’s historic win.
‘After 24 years in the military, I transitioned to teaching and then ran for Congress. Many believe that victory in the state championship played a key role in my success,’ Walz reflected.
‘We started with a rough 0-27 record. When I took the role, the sentiment was that the program was struggling. However, with an excellent team of coaches, we agreed to make a change. Just three years later, we were state champions, and now they are a powerhouse in the state.’
In addition to his educational and athletic contributions, Walz served as the faculty advisor for Mankato West’s inaugural gay-straight alliance club.
His political journey began in earnest after volunteering for John Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2004, culminating in his congressional run in 2006, where he ousted an incumbent Republican.
Walz is an avid sports fan, as seen here throwing out the first pitch at a Twins game in 2019
Walz served in Congress until 2019 when he was inaugurated as the governor of Minnesota.
His loyalty to Nebraska persists as he remains a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.
Despite his allegiance to Nebraska, as Minnesota’s governor, he actively supports the state’s professional and college teams.
Just months into his governorship in 2019, Walz, a former National Guard member, threw the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins game for Armed Forces Appreciation Day.
Earlier this year, he participated in an NBA Twitter meme by tweeting out the name of Timberwolves forward Naz Reid.
Recently, Walz visited the Minnesota Vikings’ facility for a training camp session.
He has often been spotted at state fairs in University of Minnesota Golden Gophers attire.
