MINNEAPOLIS − When Deputy President Kamala Harrischose a little-known governor from the Midwest as her vice presidential candidate, she recognized aprogressive pragmatist known for employing strict methods to achieve electoral success and drive effective policy initiatives.
The newfound spotlight on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, 60, has demonstrated a notable reputation ofhappy-go-lucky-ness. However, his history as a six-term congressmanand the state executive demonstrates a keen understanding of political strategies and affability.
" He's ready to assist and has extensive knowledge of practical matters," said former congressional colleague and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to USA TODAY.
The position of vice president is not clearly outlined. The Constitution designates the VP as the president of the U.S. Senate, with the ability to cast a deciding vote when needed. The VP also serves as the successor in case something occurs to the president, which has happened nine times over almost 250 years of American history. Ultimately, each president decides the main responsibilities of their vice president: President Joe Biden, for instance,tasked Harriswith overseeing the southern border and matters related to reproduction.
Regarding Walz, his potential positions in a Harris administration might span one or more of his various areas of expertise, including education, veterans' affairs, and labor union issues. So, does this former football coach have the political skills to not only assist Harris in winning, but also serve as second-in-command of the free world?
USA TODAY interviewed three individuals who have known him throughout his political career, spanning from Washington, D.C., to Minnesota's capital, St. Paul. They all believe he is suitable for the new position.
A "happy warrior" in Congress
Democratic Representative Conor Lamb, from Pennsylvania, entered in the spring of 2018 following a special election victory, with a challenging race for a full term ahead that fall in a western Pennsylvania district that had strongly supported Donald Trump just two years prior.
Lamb obtained a position on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, where Walz served as the leading Democrat on the panel, although he would soon depart for his role as governor of Minnesota.
He shared with USA TODAY that Walz was a "happy warrior" from the start, enjoying direct confrontations with Republicans on the committee while still fostering genuine bipartisan connections.
More: Dancing through the light: How Tim Walz's positive attitude landed him on Kamala Harris' team
But he also recalled Walz as someone who understood that every legislator had their own political priorities.
The panel had been engaged in theVA Mission Act, which would assist veterans in accessing healthcare services at non-VA locations. When it was time for the full committee to cast their vote, it lacked all the components Walz required to back it. However, he advised younger Democrats that it was acceptable to support the legislation − he stated it wasn't a poor bill, and it could demonstrate to voters that you are open to collaborating with Republicans.
Lamb also entered Congress with limited support from leaders − he campaigned, in part, against Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker who served as the Democratic minority leader in 2018. Walz informed Lamb that he would assist him in getting bills out of committee that could aid in his re-election efforts.
It was politically shrewd of him to consider how we could secure some legislative victories," Lamb said, "but it was also like, this man needs a friend, this man needs someone to look out for him, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
That's why it made such a lasting impact on me. He didn't need to do that.
Lamb secured his position in the 2018 general election. The VA bill was enacted into law, becoming effective in 2019.with Trump's signature.
Walz in crisis mode
Ellison has personally observed Walz's capacity to lead as a free-thinking individual dedicated to comprehending perspectives beyond his own, both politically and otherwise.
As the attorney general of Minnesota, Ellison has collaborated closely with Walz during his tenure as governor through challenging times, particularly the riots that followed the...murder of George FloydDuring 2020 while in police custody. This was a period when Walz faced significant criticism, but Ellison argued that he is particularly proud of the governor's reaction.
He's a Swiss Army knife," remarked Ellison, who has known Walz for over two decades. "This choice highlighted a vulnerability that both parties shared by selecting Tim.
Walz had to navigate a delicate balance as the world responded to the video of Floyd's death and his state's largest city burning on national television: The governor concentrated on ensuring safety and honoring a mourning community during a period that would become a turning point.microcosm of racial equity reform.
His leadership faced criticism, especially regarding the timing of mobilizing the Army National Guard. Walz, aguard veteran himself, contacted the guard three days after Floyd's death. That same evening, protesters set fire to the Minneapolis police's 3rd Precinct building. Three days later, Walz activated the entire guard.
Ellison mentioned that the actual situation is far more complex than what the timeline shows, such as waiting for an army that isn't prepared. To Ellison, Walz demonstrated compassion and firmness.
"He moved at the maximum speed permitted by law," Ellison stated.
During the time, Trump praised Walzfor his reaction to the civil unrest and hasrecently wrongfully taken creditfor activating the National Guard.
Until 2023, Walz was the governor while the state legislature was divided, requiring him to navigate through political conflicts and internal party disputes to get bills passed. Walz signed abipartisan bill in 2020prohibiting overly aggressive training methods for law enforcement personnel and specific types of chokeholds. These actions directly tackled the disputed techniques that resulted in Floyd's death.
He not only performs his duties at the appropriate time, but he does so correctly," Ellison stated. "We aim to restore order as swiftly as possible, and that's exactly what occurred.
Walz spent many years teaching history in a classroom before entering public service. Ellison noted that Walz's ability to win over politicians in the nation's capital comes naturally to someone with an educational background.
"As an educator, you can't connect with every student. Some children face too many challenges for you to reach them, and even the most skilled teacher won't be able to make a difference," Ellison stated.
But for the child who's starting to go off track and needs some support," he said, "(Walz) can make a big difference for them.
Defying the odds once more, and again
Michael Brodkorb, a former Republican strategist and deputy chair of the Minnesota GOP, spent many years opposing Minnesota Democrats. This year, he will be voting for one of them.
"It's part of Walz's political nature to persuade others," Brodkorb said to USA TODAY.
A self-proclaimed non-Trump supporter, Brodkorb stated that he has ended up in the "political wilderness." Whether or not he supports Walz's progressive policies, the newly motivated Democratic presidential ticket is a "very appealing setting," he mentioned.
From the beginning, Walz encountered significant challenges when he first entered the political arena. He was a high school teacher without any real government experience. However, he managed to secure his position as a Democrat in a strongly Republican rural area. And after that, he continued to win.
"I've invested a significant amount of time in my career attempting to remove this individual from office," stated Brodkorb, who was overseeing a campaign for a nearby Republican congressman during Walz's initial bid for Congress.
Walz maintained his congressional position for 12 years prior to being elected as Minnesota's 41st governor in 2018. According to Brodkorb, his success was due to authenticity and a balance of dual aspects.
He recalled a post on XFrom Minnesota Democratic Representative Angie Craig after Harris selected Walz as her running mate: "He's someone who can go turkey hunting in the morning and attend a gay rights event in the evening."
"In certain cases, within this highly partisan environment, these can be completely opposing situations, yet he finds comfort in both," Brodkorb stated.
After many years of mass shootings, Walzbeefed up his stanceon firearm regulation and openly stated he moved from an A grade with the National Rifle Association to an F. Brodkorb described this as "political bravery."
Although Walz might be a compassionate leader and a skilled problem-solver, Brodkorb stated, his strong commitment to his principles could result in a "dangerous formula" for the Trump-Vance campaign in November.
Some claim "nice guys finish last," Brodkorb stated, "but tough individuals come out on top." Regarding Walz, he further remarked, "He possesses a level of resilience."
Sam Woodward serves as the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA TODAY. You can contact her atswoodward@gannett.com, on X @woodyreports, or on Threads @samjowoody.
This piece first was published in the St. Cloud Times:Hardworking, shrewd, and generally a 'good guy': How Gov. Walz accomplishes tasks