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12 things to know about Tim Walz, the Midwestern dad who coined the biggest insult of 2024
12 things to know about Tim Walz, the Midwestern dad who coined the biggest insult of 2024
Talia Lakritz,Alice Tecotzky,Brent D. GriffithsAug 6, 2024, 23:03 IST
<p class="ingestion featured-caption">While speaking on "Morning Joe," Walz coined the "weird" insultStephen Maturen/Getty Images</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate.</li><li>A known progressive, Walz served six terms in Congress before becoming governor.</li></ul><p>Kamala Harris' whirlwind effort to select a vice president has finally ended and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-names-tim-walz-vice-president-pick-minnesota-2024-7">Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota</a> secured the coveted number two spot.</p><p>A 60-year-old veteran and former teacher with decades of governing experience, Walz beat out more moderate candidates from swing districts. In selecting Walz as her second-in-command, Harris <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-tim-walz-progressives-record-selection-election-analysis-2024-8">handed progressives a big win</a>.</p><p>Here are 12 things to know about Walz as he steps into the national spotlight and, potentially, the White House.</p>
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Tim Walz was born in rural West Point, Nebraska, in 1964.
Walz was born in a rural area.Star Tribune via Getty Images/Getty Images
He enlisted in the Army National Guard when he was 17.
Tim Walz served in the Army National Guard for over two decades.Minnesota Governor's Office/AP
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He worked odd jobs before earning a bachelor's degree from Chadron State College in Nebraska.
Tim Walz held a variety of jobs before becoming a public school teacher.Michael Goldberg/AP
Walz speaks conversational Mandarin from his time teaching in China.
Tim Walz spent time teaching abroad.J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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Before entering politics, he was a high school geography and social studies teacher.
Tim Walz and Gwen Walz in his old classroom at Mankato West High School in Minnesota.Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool
Walz coached high school football and served as a faculty advisor for the school's Gay Straight Alliance group.
Mankato West's high school football team won the state championship in 1999.MARLIN LEVISON/Star Tribune via Getty Images
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Walz and his wife, Gwen Walz, have two children.
Gwen Walz, Tim Walz, Hope Walz, and Gus Walz.Abbie Parr/AP
Walz won a seat in the House of Representatives in 2006 and served six consecutive terms.
Walz first ran for congress in 2006 and beat an incumbent Republican.Star Tribune via Getty Images/Getty Images
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Before he became a progressive darling, Walz was an NRA-endorsed congressman.
While in Congress, Walz advocated for issues pertinent to rural America.Anadolu/Getty Images
As governor, Walz championed progressive policies, including paid family leave, reproductive rights, and universal background checks on firearms.
As governor, Walz championed progressive causes, including universal background checks on firearms.Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
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Walz was the first one to use “weird” as an insult.
While speaking on "Morning Joe," Walz coined the "weird" insultStephen Maturen/Getty Images
In a big win for progressives, Harris picked Walz over more moderate candidates from swing states.
Walz beat out more moderate candidates to become Harris' vice presidential pick.Anna Moneymaker; Pool/ Getty Images