Tim Walz

Tim Walz’ career has been defined by public service, from serving our country in the military to serving Minnesota students as a high-school teacher and football coach to serving Minnesota in Congress.

Born in a small town in rural Nebraska, Walz’ parents instilled in him the values that guide his commitment to common good and selfless service. Soon after his high school graduation, Walz’ enlisted in the Army National Guard. He attended Chadron State College and graduated with a social science degree in 1989. Harvard University offered Walz an 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 government-approved groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools. Upon his return from China, Walz served full time in the Army National Guard, and accepted a teaching and coaching position. More importantly, he met his future wife, Gwen Whipple, who was teaching at the same school.

Gov. Walz and Gwen Walz moved to Mankato in 1996, where they began working at Mankato West High School. In addition to teaching social studies, Gov. Walz helped coach the Mankato West football team that 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.

Gov. Walz won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, and was re-elected for another five terms serving Minnesota’s First Congressional District.