The dust has settled, and Kamala Harris has revealed her Vice President selection—Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. News of Walz joining Harris’ ticket arrived on Tuesday (Aug. 6), with co-signs from former President Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton.
But it was Walz’s commitment to Harris’ vision and campaign that cemented the new Democratic ticket in the books, with the 60-year-old vowing to “work for the common good.” “Growing up, I learned to be generous toward my neighbors, compromise without compromising my values, and to work for the common good. Kamala Harris and I both believe in that common good – in that fundamental promise of America. We’re ready to fight for it. And like she says: when we fight, we win,” he typed in his statement on X/Twitter.
Since the announcement, Tim Walz sprang to No. 1 on the platform’s most trending topics, with 1.6 million posts dedicated to the former US Armyman. While the nation researches to understand who Tim Walz is and what he represents as a politician, we’ll teach you what he has done for the Black community.
Here’s five things to know about Kamala Harris’ VP Pick, Tim Walz.
Tim Walz Served In The National Army Guard
Image Credit: Maturen/Getty Images Tim Walz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years before retiring in 2005. The Nebraska native was a part of the field artillery battalion as a command sergeant major, one of the military’s highest honors and ranks. This experience would pave the way for his pro-veteran views and champion their issues during his six terms in the White House, per ABC News.
Emphasized Investments In Affordable Housing
Image Credit: Maturen/Getty Images Walz’s time as Minnesota Governor featured work handling the state’s housing issues. One of the largest housing policies arrived in 2023 when the politician enacted a $1 billion housing omnibus bill into law. According to HousingWire, the bill was the most significant investment into Minnesota’s housing program in state history, including a tune of $200 million for downpayment assistance programs, $200 million for housing infrastructure, $95 million for workforce housing, and additional funds for various needs throughout the state.
Signed George Floyd-Inspired Bill
Image Credit: Maturen/Getty Images In the aftermath of George Floyd‘s murder in Minneapolis, Minn., was on fire. Protests rang throughout the state, calling for police reform and, in some extreme cases, to abolish the police altogether. Minnesota Governor Walz took charge of reforming his state and signed the MN Police Accountability Act in July 2020. The bill effectively banned police from using chokeholds, established a team that provided mental health services for law enforcement, issued mandatory training, and required officers to report and stop their colleagues from using “warrior” tactics or excessive force.
Free Lunch For The Kids
Image Credit: Boyle/Getty Images Tim Walz created a universal free school breakfast and lunch program for kids in Minnesota schools. The bill was signed in 2023, making Minnesota one of only eight states nationwide to offer such a program. Before the landmark bill, the federal National School Lunch Program offered free meals to low-income children.
According to MPR News, the federal program was riddled with barriers and obstacles that made it difficult for low-income families to receive the assistance they signed up for. Walz’s bill worked to bypass these barriers and make it easy for everyone to enjoy hot free meals at school, with the inclusivity a way to remove free lunch’s “stigma.”
That Man Love Him Some Beyoncé
Image Credit: Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images Walz is on record being a fan of Beyoncé for her artistry and relentless dedication to women’s empowerment. So much so that the politician signed a proclamation on July 20, 2023, declaring the date “Beyoncé Day” just ahead of her performance at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium.
“I might be Governor of Minnesota, but we all know who runs the world,” Walz typed with an image of the documentation on X/Twitter. “Welcome to Minnesota, Beyoncé!”
Additionally, Walz has shown love to Prince, giving him his own day in his home state. CBS News reports that using purple ink, May 2023 found the Democratic politician signing a proclamation renaming a portion of the Truck Highway. The highway officially became the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway, which stretches from Eden Prairie to Chanhassen—the location of Purple One’s Paisley Park estate.
“I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” Walz said last year. “I, for one, am just incredibly grateful to be a part of this celebration. But like so many Minnesotans, I’m just proud that Prince called Minnesota home.”
