Who Is Harris VP Pick Tim Walz? Harris VP Pick

Tim Walz is the Democratic party's nominee for vice president in the 2024 United States Election. Here's some things to know.

(PLGNN) - Two days ago, Democratic nominee for the 2024 United States election Kamala Harris announced her running mate to be Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota. He will be running with Harris against former United States President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Here's what to know about him:

Tim Walz is the Governor of Minnesota
Walz currently serves as the 41st Governor of Minnesota. He has served since 2019.

He was an important figure during the 2020 protests
Walz was one of the key figures during the 2020 protests, which were caused by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protests caused over $500 million in damages to the Twin cities, which consists of neighboring cities Minneapolis and Minnesota capital St. Paul. At least two were killed and 600 arrested in Minnesota during the protests. It was not until three days into the violent protests that Walz signed an executive order deploying the National Guard. Walz daughter, Hope, went on social media to let the violent protestors know that the National Guard wasn't deployed one night in order so that the protestors could continue their violent activities without fear of the National Guard.

Tim Walz did not have his stomach pumped after drinking horse semen.
This rumor originated on a subreddit, and is completely false. It seems to be in response to Walz referencing another internet rumor, which claimed J.D. Vance had sexual intercourse with a couch.

Walz does not own any stocks, crypto, or real estate
Regarding his finances, Walz does not own any stock, crypto, or real estate. His disclosures also show no mutual funds, bonds, private equities, or other securities. Before moving into the Governors mansion, Walz and his wife sold their home for below a $315k asking price.

He was arrested in 1995 for drunk driving

In 1995, Walz, who was a 31-year-old high school teacher, got pulled over for going 96 miles per hour in an area where the speed limit was 55. Walz failed a sobriety test, and was then arrested. Following his arrest, Walz license was suspended for 90 days. He offered to resign from his teaching job, however the principal talked him out of it. The judge in the case agreed to reduce the charge from a DUI to reckless driving.

Walz signed an order protecting access to gender affirming care

In 2023, Walz signed an executive order protecting access to gender-affirming care. The law grants legal protection to minors who travel to Minnesota for gender affirming care, which includes puberty blockers, reconstructive genital surgery, and hormone therapy. The law also makes seeking gender-affirming procedures a factor in child custody cases. “As states across the country move to ban access to gender-affirming care, we want LGBTQ Minnesotans to know they will continue to be safe, protected, and welcome in Minnesota,” said Walz.

Walz has a dog named Scout
Tim Walz has a rescue dog named Scout, who was adopted from Midwest Animal Rescue after being found in a box near a high-kill shelter in Oklahoma. Scout is a black lab mix. Walz adopted the dog after promising his son that they could get a dog if he won the gubernatorial election. Scout has got up to some trouble, and accidentally got himself locked in a bedroom, where he had to be rescued through the window.

Scout Walz; Image From @GovTimWalz on X

He owns a cat named Honey

In February 2024, the Walz family adopted a rescue cat named Honey, who is a calico from the Animal Humane Society.

Walz does not think Congress should trade stocks
Walz has previously expressed that he believes that owning stocks or making large investments as a politician leads to a conflict of interest. He also sponsored the STOCK act, which is an original bill to prohibit members of Congress and employees of Congress from using private information derived from their official positions for personal benefit, and for other purposes. 

He is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in the US House
Walz first enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard in April 1981, serving as an infantry senior sergeant and administrative specialist. Walz retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery in 2005 after more than 24 years in service. The Harris Campaign referred to Walz as a "retired Command Sergeant Major", which is one of the top ranks for an enlisted soldier. He did attain that rank, however he was reduced in rank months after retiring, which left him as a master sergeant for benefits purposes. This means Walz retired as a Command Sergeant Major, but is not a retired Command Sergeant Major.

Walz is pro-abortion
Minnesota was the first state to pass a law protecting abortion rights after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022. In January 2023, Walz signed the law which stipulates that local governments cannot regulate a person's choice to get an abortion. A few months later, Walz signed another abortion law which protects people who travel to Minnesota to get an abortion, and according to the law, health officials do not have to turn over a patients health records in response to the subponea or court order of another state.

Walz believes Israel has the right to exist

After the October 7th attack, Walz condemned the attack, saying that those who carried out the attack showed "an absolute lack of humanity". He has repeatedly stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, however he has mentioned that there needs to be an end to Palestinian civilians dying. Earlier this year, Walz told the Jewish Community Relations Council that "ability of Jewish people to self-determine themselves is foundational," and "The failure to recognize the state of Israel is taking away that self-determination. So it is antisemitic."

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will be running against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in the upcoming 2024 United States Presidential election.