Tim Walz, Minnesota's governor, has been selected as Kamala Harris' vice presidential running mate, bringing a Midwestern perspective to the Democratic ticket. While largely unknown on the national stage, Walz's track record in Minnesota offers insights into his potential impact.
In the 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial race, Walz demonstrated strength among key demographics. He secured the support of young voters and performed well in union households, winning nearly 60% of that group. Approximately half of Minnesota voters viewed Walz favorably, while about 40% held a negative opinion.
Notably, Walz outperformed national Democratic candidates among white voters without college degrees, securing 44% of this group in Minnesota compared to the 32% national average for Democrats. This performance suggests potential appeal in battleground Midwestern states.
However, Walz faces a significant challenge in national recognition. An ABC News/Ipsos survey conducted prior to his selection revealed that nearly 90% of U.S. adults lacked sufficient knowledge to form an opinion about him. Among those with an opinion, views were evenly split: 6% favorable and 7% unfavorable.
Walz's background as a military veteran and former high school teacher may prove advantageous. These professions are generally held in high regard by the American public. An Ipsos poll conducted earlier this year showed that about 90% of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of military veterans, while approximately 80% view school teachers positively.
"High school teachers are generally held in high regard among Americans for their honesty and ethical standards. About half gave them at least a high rating on ethics."
Tim Walz's unique background includes 24 years of service in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 2005. He taught high school geography and coached football before entering politics. Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2006 to 2019, where he was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress.
As Minnesota's 41st governor since 2019, Walz has focused on veterans' issues, education reform, gun control measures, renewable energy initiatives, and addressing racial disparities. His experience and policy priorities may resonate with various voter groups across the Midwest and beyond.
While Walz struggled among military veteran households and white men in Minnesota's 2022 election, his performance was slightly better than that of Democrats nationwide. As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how Walz's Midwestern roots and diverse background will influence the national electorate.