NDP statement on Kamala Harris’ election of Nebraska-born and -raised Governor Tim Walz – Nebraska Democratic Party

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb issues the following statement on Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination of Nebraska-born and raised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate:

“Tim Walz spent part of his childhood in Valentine, Nebraska. A small rural town known for its hearts on the sidewalks. Those hearts never left Walz, as America experienced when children gave him a big hug after he signed universal school breakfast and lunch into law as governor of Minnesota. Tim Walz brings real and profound experience in rural towns, veteran communities, and of course, with teachers. Walz has the ability to make us all fall in love with our politics again because he believes politics can change people's lives. Rural America is having its big moment to be represented on the national stage with heart and joy, showing the nation what it means to care for your neighbors.”

In addition, Chair Jane Kleeb is one of the moderators of the Rural For Harris call taking place tonight, August 6th, at 7pm CT. Governor Walz is expected to join the call. RSVP for the call: rural4harris.com/rsvp

background

Born, raised and worked in rural Nebraska (West Point, Valentine, Butte, Chadron, Alliance), Governor Tim Walz is the 41st Governor of Minnesota. His career has been marked by public service, from serving our country in the military to serving our students as a high school teacher and football coach to serving our state in Congress.

Governor Walz returns to Nebraska often and will serve as keynote speaker at the Ben Nelson Gala in 2023 (see photo album).

Tim's parents instilled in him the values ​​that shape his commitment to the community and selfless service. Soon after graduating high school, Tim enlisted in the Army National Guard. He attended Chadron State College and graduated with a degree in social sciences in 1989. Harvard University offered Tim the opportunity to gain a new perspective on global education by teaching in the People's Republic of China from 1989 to 1990, where he joined one of the first federally recognized groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools. After returning from China, Tim served full-time in the Army National Guard and accepted a teaching and coaching position in Alliance, Nebraska. More importantly, it was here that Walz met his future wife, Gwen Whipple, who taught at the same school.

Tim and Gwen Walz moved to Mankato in 1996, where they began working at Mankato West High School. In addition to teaching social studies, Tim also helped coach the Mankato West football team, which won the school's first state championship. After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz retired from the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005.

Tim won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006 and was re-elected to five more terms representing Minnesota's 1st congressional district. In addition to his work on the Farm Bill, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Minnesota Highway 14, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota, Tim introduced the STOCK Act, legislation designed to restrict insider trading in Congress. On March 22, 2012, the STOCK Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

After living in Mankato for years, Tim and Gwen moved to St. Paul with their two children, Hope and Gus, and their rescued dog and cat, Scout and Afton.

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