Tim Walz is Ready to Be America’s Next Vice President

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Vice President Harris has chosen a running mate with a track record of experience, maturity and tested leadership to tackle the threats we face abroad and fight to keep America safe, strong and prosperous. He knows that our country doesn’t benefit from the callous politics of anger and divisiveness. Instead, he shares Vice President Harris’ vision of a brighter future for all Americans.

Championing principled American leadership in the world. Walz is a strong and outspoken supporter of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Last year, he joined a bipartisan group of governors who spoke with President Zelenskyy to express support for the Ukrainian people. Walz advocates for a strong U.S. foreign affairs budget to support U.S. diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange programs. As Governor, he has sought to strengthen diplomatic ties between Minnesota and international partners, including Taiwan, on key trade and agricultural issues. Additionally, Walz is a vocal advocate for protecting democracy; he signed the Democracy for the People Act into law, which established automatic voter registration across the state, increased penalties for voter intimidation, and enhanced disclosure requirements for secretive foreign groups seeking to influence America’s elections.

Caring for veterans and military families. As a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Walz consistently puts veterans and their families at the center of his agenda. During his time in the National Guard, Walz deployed to Europe for several months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and retired as a master sergeant. His legislative track record reflects his care for veterans: while a congressman serving on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, he co-sponsored legislation extending funding for veterans healthcare needs, improved veterans educational assistance, and required the Veterans Affairs Department to evaluate their mental health care programs yearly.

Later, as Governor, in the wake of Minnesota’s severe natural disasters, Walz signed executive orders to provide direct financial assistance to veterans to rebuild their homes. He also created a $16 million proposal to update veteran support facilities across the state, opened three new veterans’ homes, and is credited for ending veteran homelessness across 13 counties in Minnesota.

Standing up to U.S. competitors. As a congressman, Walz co-sponsored various bills that sought to address human rights issues in China, including a bill to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials who sought to suppress individual freedoms and a bill calling on the Chinese government to stop human rights abuses. As Governor, Walz condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and signed a bill ending Minnesota’s investments in Russia.

Strengthening the U.S. economy and protecting the middle class. Walz understands that a strong U.S. economy and middle class are critical pillars for projecting U.S. power abroad. As Governor, to counter Trump’s 2019 trade war with China that devastated Minnesota farmers, Walz met with South Korean and Japanese officials to strengthen diplomatic and economic relationships with Minnesota. He also passed the largest infrastructure bill and tax cut in state history. He instituted paid family leave and invested $10 million in small businesses.

Under Walz’s leadership, Minnesota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, is ranked fifth in job growth, and is described as one of the top states in the country to do business. Under the Local Jobs and Projects Plan, Walz provided $1.9 billion for local construction and renovation projects and a tax-rate cut to 1.36 million middle-class Minnesotans. Through the Small Cities Development Program, Walz oversaw over $24 million in funding across 36 cities across Minnesota.

Tackling the climate change crisis. Climate change represents an existential threat to our livelihoods, economy, and security, and Walz has led the way in taking action. His efforts include: pushing utility companies to provide Minnesotans with carbon-free electricity by 2040, trying to prevent the construction of new oil pipelines, reforming Minnesota’s energy permitting process to accelerate clean energy projects, and launching initiatives to train underrepresented workers for clean energy jobs.

Published: August 2024