MN Governor Tim Walz: From Obscurity to Vice Presidential Candidate
TL/DR –
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz went from relative obscurity to becoming the Democratic vice presidential candidate in a short span of time. Walz has taken a more liberal stance on a number of issues since becoming governor in 2019, including codifying abortion rights, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while acknowledging Palestinian suffering, taking a more liberal stance on gun control, and welcoming the resettlement of refugees in Minnesota. His economic policies have focused on using Minnesota’s budget surplus to fund priorities like free school meals, while also enacting tax rebates and credits for low- and middle-income families.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: A Closer Look at the Vice Presidential Candidate’s Stance and Political Journey
Washington — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz transitioned from being a relatively unknown figure to becoming the Democrats’ vice presidential candidate and levying criticisms against Republicans in a span of few summer weeks.
Walz’s political voyage began in 2006, being elected to the House from a conservative region adjoining Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. As the governor since 2019, he has embraced more liberal viewpoints. Let’s delve into his stand on several key issues leading into Tuesday’s VP debate, where CBS News will be the host.
Walz on Abortion Rights and IVF
As governor, Walz enacted legislation in 2023 to uphold abortion rights, making Minnesota the first state to take such action post the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. This law also safeguards access to contraception, fertility treatments, sterilization, and other reproductive health services.
Walz and his spouse, Gwen, faced their fertility struggles after the Alabama Supreme Court declared IVF-generated frozen embryos as children, potentially leading to wrongful death claims if embryos don’t survive the process. The couple’s daughter, Hope, was conceived via Intrauterine Insemination(IUI) treatments.
Walz on Israel-Gaza War
Walz shares Vice President Kamala Harris’s views on the Gaza War, supporting Israel’s self-defence right following Hamas’ attack on October 7, while acknowledging Palestinian suffering.
Walz on Gun Control
Walz, once graded “A” by the NRA, gradually shifted to a more liberal position on gun control, especially after the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012. As the Minnesota Governor, Walz signed laws requiring background checks for gun transfers and a “red flag” law.
Walz on Economy
In 2023, Walz utilized Minnesota’s $17.5 billion budget surplus to fund Democratic priorities, including free school meals for all K-12 students and tax credits for low- and middle-income households.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s unemployment rate is now similar to pre-pandemic levels.
Walz on Immigration
In Congress, Walz had endorsed strict background checks for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. However, as Governor, he welcomed refugees into Minnesota. He was in favour of providing a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers”, essential workers, and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status.
Walz’s tenure also saw undocumented immigrants become eligible for Minnesota driver’s licenses and the state’s publicly run health insurance for low-income residents, and free college tuition.
For live coverage, post-debate analysis, comprehensive fact checks, and more of the sole planned vice presidential debate, you can download the free CBS News app. The debate will take place between Vance and Walz on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and CBS News 24/7.
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