With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being considered a possible vice presidential nominee for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 Democratic ticket, some critics are raising concerns regarding his management of COVID-19 and the riots in Minneapolis and Kenosha during 2020 that impacted the urban regions of the state.
“[H]e’s been a disaster for Minnesota and is by far the most partisan governor that I can remember,” stated Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann in a conversation with Fox News Digital. “Since 2020, he did nothing to mitigate the riots happening in Minneapolis, likely out of fear of upsetting his ‘progressive’ base that supported the unrest. Kamala Harris was even raising funds for those involved in the riots.”
On the other side, Democrats assert that Walz is a formidable candidate, having been elected governor twice since 2018 and having served in Congress for 12 years, making him a valuable asset in a crucial swing state that could bolster Harris’s chances in the upcoming election.
“Governor Walz has proven to be a strong leader and a great collaborator with the [l]egislature, making him an excellent choice for Vice President,” Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman told Fox News Digital in a statement. “Over the past two years, we’ve managed one of the most productive sessions in Minnesota in decades, enacting policies that support Minnesotans in improving their lives and those of their families.”
OBAMA STRATEGIST HIGHLIGHTS ONE CANDIDATE FOR HARRIS’ RUNNING MATE
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addresses the media during a news conference for the Biden-Harris campaign discussing the Project 2025 plan on the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)
Hortman further expressed that “the last two years exemplify Tim Walz’s ability to work with strong women collaboratively to achieve results.”
“I am excited about Kamala Harris’ candidacy and believe Gov. Walz would significantly enhance the ticket,” added the state representative.
HARRIS AVOIDS ONE OF THE FEW DEMOCRATS OPEN TO BEING HER VP: REPORT
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is being considered as a Vice Presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris. (Montinique Monroe | Jim Vondruska)
Critics have also highlighted Walz’s decision to enforce a mandatory indoor mask order during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he implemented in 2020 and lifted in 2021. The Upper Midwest Law Center filed a lawsuit arguing the mandate was unconstitutional, but the appellate court ultimately sided with Walz.
Additionally, Walz established a hotline to report residents who violated COVID-19 mandates, as reported by FOX 9 Minneapolis at the time.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was elected governor twice since 2018 and served in Congress for 12 years.
IS NEWSOM OUT OF THE RUNNING IN HARRIS’ VP SEARCH? UNDERSTANDING THE 12TH AMENDMENT
Republican State Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka publicly requested Walz to “please take [the] Hotline down,” criticizing it as “unnecessary.”
“We all have the capacity to show a little empathy to our neighbors while we adjust to our different needs during the stay-at-home mandates,” the state senator mentioned at the time.
Gazelka also remarked on Walz’s delayed response in deploying the National Guard during the riots that erupted in downtown Minneapolis after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, engages with Blue Earth County Public Works Director Ryan Thilges. (Michael Goldberg/AP)
“After four days of unchecked rioting, I contacted the White House because the Governor seemed paralyzed in deciding what action to take,” Gazelka posted on X recently. “I understand Governor Walz and President Trump had a conversation. Ultimately, Walz deployed the Guard fully the following evening. However, it was a delay of three days that could have made a difference. External pressure may have prompted his action.”
‘WE WERE ABANDONED’: PENTAGON EMAILS REVEAL NATIONAL GUARD WAS READY TO DEPLOY BEFORE 2020 MINNEAPOLIS PROTESTS
Similarly, Hann criticized Walz for “waiting three days” before requesting the National Guard’s assistance. He also highlighted the roots of the “defund the police” sentiment in Minnesota linked to the aftermath of Floyd’s murder and the resulting riots in the Twin Cities and Kenosha.
“He exhibited an extraordinary lack of leadership during the riot, which was highly destructive and its aftermath continues to impact the quality of life and business environment in Minneapolis.”
A protester stands beside a burning vehicle, holding a sign supporting the Black Lives Matter movement during the third day of protests regarding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 28, 2020. (Anadolu Agency / Getty Contributor)
The failure to act promptly led to the devastation of hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which required support from local government to recover following the destruction exacerbated by pandemic-related closures.
RIOTING AND LOOTING LINKED TO GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN AMERICAN CITIES
Charles Stotts and his wife, Kacey White, owners of Town Talk Diner on Lake Street in Minneapolis, observe water gushing from their restaurant on May 28, 2020. (Andy Rathbun/MediaNews Group / St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images)
However, criticisms from Republican leaders continued past 2021, following the COVID crisis.
In March, after Walz’s State of the State address, he claimed Minnesota was the “best state in the country for a child to grow up in.” He outlined ambitions to enhance school funding, guarantee “100%” clean energy by 2040, safeguard abortion rights, and protect LGBTQ minors, as reported by The Pioneer Press.
House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth responded by pointing out the challenges facing Minnesota under Walz’s leadership, firstly highlighting a near $18 billion budget surplus in Walz’s proposed $72 billion budget which was meant to be returned to taxpayers but was redirected to other state initiatives instead.
“We expanded the government in an unsustainable manner.”
“While the offer of tax relief for young families sounds promising, it overlooks the reality of Minnesota’s high cost of living,” Demuth stated in March. “Additionally, the $18 billion surplus is now depleted, compounded by a $10 billion increase in taxes and fees in our state budget. We expanded the government in a way that simply isn’t sustainable.”
Kenosha County Sheriff and police officers in riot gear form a line behind a burning truck during demonstrations against the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 24, 2020. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Hann echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the governor’s “terrible mismanagement” of state finances.
“He has set the state on a course for a structural deficit in the future, as his spending plans will outstrip our funding capabilities… His policy decisions have been harmful to businesses.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Demuth also noted a decline in student performance on statewide assessments.
Moreover, numerous critics of Walz’s governance have observed a rise in violent crime, not only in the Twin Cities but across the state, beginning around 2020. Although violent crime dipped slightly in 2023, it still remains above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Walz’s office has yet to respond to requests for comments.
