Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz

130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

651-201-3400

About Governor Timothy James Walz

Tim Walz is Minnesota’s 41st Governor. His career has been defined by public service, from serving our country in the military to serving our students as a high-school teacher and football coach to serving our state in Congress.

Born in a small town in rural Nebraska, Tim’s parents instilled in him the values that guide his commitment to common good and selfless service. Soon after his high school graduation, Tim enlisted in the Army National Guard. Tim attended Chadron State College, where he graduated with a social science degree in 1989. Harvard University offered Tim an opportunity to gain a new perspective on global education by teaching in the People’s Republic of China from 1989-90, where he joined of one of the first government-approved groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools. Upon his return from China to Nebraska, Tim served full time in the Army National Guard, and accepted a teaching and coaching position. More importantly, he met his wife, Gwen Whipple, who was teaching at the same school.

Tim and Gwen Walz moved to Mankato in 1996, where they began working at Mankato West High School. In addition to teaching social studies, Tim 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.

Tim won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, and was re-elected for another 5 terms serving Minnesota’s First Congressional District. In addition to his work on the Farm Bill, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, Minnesota Highway 14, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston (MN), Tim introduced the STOCK Act, a bill that sought to limit congressional insider trading. On March 22, 2012, the STOCK Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

After years of living in Mankato, Tim and Gwen moved to St. Paul with their two children, Hope and Gus, and their rescue pets, Scout and Afton.

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Fourth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. Two of the vacancies occurred upon the retirement of…

Governor Walz Highlights Infrastructure Investments at New Dilworth Fire Station

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited Dilworth’s new fire station, funded by the infrastructure bill the Governor signed into law in 2023. Governor Walz discussed the need to pass a bonding bill this session to support infrastructure…

Governor Walz, U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Hold Roundtable on Impact of Proposed Federal Health Care Cuts

Proposed cuts could cost Minnesota $1.6 billion annually, jeopardizing health coverage for 1.3 million Minnesotans ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison today joined state officials, doctors, and advocates to discuss the…

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On April 14, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Leonard A. Weiler.?This seat will be chambered in…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Firefighter Training and Education; Executive Board of Direct Care and Treatment; Legislative-Citizen Commission on…

Governor Walz Signs Two Bills into Law

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today signed two bills into law. Senate File 823 streamlines a construction project on US 169 and HWY 182 by giving the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) authority to spend grant funding. This…

Governor Walz Creates Dashboard to Track Federal Funding Cuts Impacting Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced a new dashboard Minnesotans can use to track disruptions and cancellations of federal funding and their impact on services available to Minnesotans. Federal disruptions and cuts so far include grants…

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Second Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. The vacancy occurred upon the death of the Honorable…

Commission on Judicial Selection Extends Application Process for Vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On April 4, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced the extension of the application period for the upcoming vacancy in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The new application deadline is 4:00 pm on April 14 . The…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board; Board of Podiatric Medicine; Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee;…

Governor Walz Signs Bill Into Law

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today signed a bill into law that establishes new guidelines for partitions of real property. Senate File 202 clarifies state statute related to partitioning real property, a legal process that can force the…

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends First Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the upcoming vacancy in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of…

Governor Walz Issues Writ of Special Election to Fill Vacancy in Senate District 6

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in Senate District 6 in Cass, Crow Wing, and Itasca Counties. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. If…

Governor Walz Announces Change to State Telework Policy

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced an update to the telework policy for state employees, requiring most state agency employees to work in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays beginning June 1. Around 60% of state employees…

Governor Walz Releases Revised Minnesota Budget

Budget includes additional responsible cuts, protects investments made last session ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today released his revised budget for the next biennium. The revised budget includes just under $250 million in additional…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Accountancy; Board of Occupational Therapy Practice; Board of Optometry; Board of Psychology; Governor’s…

Governor Walz Announces New Statewide Targeted Violence Prevention Strategy

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today introduced a new statewide prevention strategy designed to enhance public safety and prevent acts of targeted violence…

Governor Walz Signs Bipartisan Legislation Lowering Costs for Grain Buyers

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today signed a bill that amends financial reporting requirements for grain buyers. The legislation will help ensure timely financial reports from grain buyers while substantially reducing the cost of annual financial…

Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Minnesota Fire Chief Jason Gruett

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to Sunset on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in honor and…

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On March 13, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Erik J. Askegaard.?This seat will be chambered in…

As President Trump Dismantles the U.S. Department of Education, Governor Walz Outlines Impact on Minnesota Students and Families

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited an elementary school in Fridley to highlight the impact on Minnesota students and families as President Trump dismantles the U.S. Department of Education. Funding from the U.S. Department of Education…

Governor Walz Announces Increase in Minnesota Exports, Outpacing National Growth

As Minnesota’s two largest export markets, Canada and Mexico have purchased $11.7 billion in goods from Minnesota in the last year ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)…

Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Minnesota Police Officer Felicia Reilly

Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset on Monday, March 10, 2025, in honor and remembrance of Officer Felicia Reilly.…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Barber Examiners; Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Board of Dentistry; Board of Medical Practice; Clean Water…

Governor Walz Announces Effort to Help Federal Workers Laid off by Donald Trump Find Jobs in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced a new resource for federal employees who have recently lost their jobs or are facing employment uncertainty. Minnesota’s tight labor market continues to be a challenge for businesses looking to…

Governor Walz Authorizes Minnesota National Guard to Support Emergency Winter Storm Operations

ST. PAUL, MN - Following heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions across the state, Governor Tim Walz today declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for emergency storm operations. …

Governor Walz Meets with Canadian Counterparts to Discuss Ways to Alleviate Tariff Impact, Strengthen Trade Relationship

ST. PAUL, MN - Following the enactment of President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Governor Tim Walz today met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew to discuss ways to alleviate tariff impacts and strengthen our…

At Corn and Soybean Farm, Governor Walz Highlights Impact of Tariffs on Minnesota Farmers

Governor Tim Walz today visited a corn and soybean farm in Cannon Falls to highlight the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Minnesota farmers. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect today, limiting markets for Minnesota agricultural…

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the Fourth Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On March 3, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced three vacancies in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. These vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Amy E. Dawson, the Honorable Charlene W.…

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Second Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On February 27, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. The vacancy occurred upon the death of the Honorable Patrick C. Diamond. This seat will be chambered in St.…

Governor Walz Discusses Plan to Make Health Insurance Companies Pay Their Fair Share, Keep Costs Down

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today discussed his plan to hold health insurance providers accountable, save taxpayer dollars, and lower health insurance costs. The proposal would shift the responsibility for the state share of reinsurance to…

Governor Walz Appoints Beverly Luther Quast to the Tax Court

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Beverly Luther Quast as a judge of the Minnesota Tax Court for a six-year term. “It is my privilege to appoint Beverly Luther Quast to the Minnesota Tax Court,”…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Executives for Long-term Services and Supports; Board of Medical Practice; Board of Nursing; Board of Pharmacy;…

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the First Judicial District

ST. PAUL, MN - On February 20, 2025, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable David L. Knutson.?This seat will be chambered in…

Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Minnesota Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in honor and remembrance of David…

Governor Walz Celebrates Minnesota's Ranking as a Top State to Retire, Top State to Raise a Family

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota was ranked the second best state to both retire and raise a family. The Wallet Hub studies ranked states on factors including affordability, health and safety, education and child care,…

Governor Walz Authorizes Emergency Shelter Assistance in Wadena County

Executive Order will support residents displaced by apartment building fire ST. PAUL, MN - On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 25-02 authorizing the National Guard to provide temporary shelter for residents…

Following Executive Action by Governor Walz, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Establishes Centralized State Fraud Investigations Unit

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has formally established a centralized state fraud investigations unit. At the direction of Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Commerce's fraud…

Governor Walz to Lead Business Development Mission to the Netherlands

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced he will lead a business development mission to the Netherlands from February 17-19, with stops in Eindhoven, The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Delft. The mission will focus on showcasing the state…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Animal Health; Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior…

Governor Walz Announces $6 Million in Child Care Grants

Funding expected to create over 1,400 new child care slots ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced $6.1 million in grants to expand access to child care across the state. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development…

Governor Walz Issues Writ of Special Election to Fill Vacancy in House District 40B

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in House District 40B in Ramsey County. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. If necessary, a special primary…

As Tax Filing Season Begins, Governor Walz Encourages Minnesotans to Claim Child Tax Credit

Last year, Minnesota families received nearly $2,500 on average from the credit ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited the McDonough Community Center in St. Paul to encourage Minnesotans to claim the Child Tax Credit when filing their…

Governor Walz Appoints Shireen Gandhi as Temporary Commissioner for the Department of Human Services

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Shireen Gandhi as temporary commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) until a permanent commissioner is appointed. Gandhi will…

Governor Walz Appoints Audrey Partridge as Commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission

ST. PAUL, MN - On January 30, 2025, Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Audrey Partridge to serve as a commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). “I am honored to appoint Audrey Partridge as commissioner of the…

Merit Selection Panel Recommends Tax Court Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - Earlier this year, Governor Walz asked a merit selection panel consisting of leadership in his administration and the tax law community to solicit applications, review candidates, and recommend finalists for appointment to the…

Governor Walz Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for Six Minnesota Counties

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for six Minnesota counties that suffered damage caused by severe thunderstorms and flooding last summer. “I’m grateful for Minnesota’s emergency management team…

Statements From Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan on Federal Spending Freeze

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statements today in response to President Donald Trump implementing a federal spending freeze, threatening $1.9 billion in federal funding the State of…

Governor Walz Appoints Kayla Johnson and Paul Gunderson to Fill Fifth Judicial District Vacancies

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Kayla Johnson and Paul Gunderson as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District. One seat will be chambered in Luverne in Rock County and Pipestone in…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Clean Water Council; Governor’s Council on Age-Friendly Minnesota; Governor’s Workforce Development Board; and the…

Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Firefighters Will Help Fight Los Angeles Wildfires

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota will send a crew of wildland firefighters from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support response efforts amid ongoing wildfires in Southern California. …

Governor Walz Announces 2025 Infrastructure Plan

Governor’s bonding proposal includes $10 million to support Rapidan Dam recovery ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced his 2025 infrastructure plan at the Rapidan Dam in Mankato. The Governor’s bonding proposal includes…

Governor Walz Reappoints the Honorable Sean M. Quinn to the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the reappointment of the Honorable Sean M. Quinn as a judge of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals for a six-year term. “It is my honor to reappoint Judge Quinn to…

ICYMI: Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Ranked Top State to Raise a Family

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that WalletHub has ranked Minnesota as a top state to raise a family. Minnesota ranked second in WalletHub’s study , which compared key factors across all 50 states including housing…

Governor Walz Proposes Curbing State Spending to Balance Budget

Budget includes first sales tax cut in state history, maintains a balanced budget for years to come by making cuts and curbing growth in spending, and protects investments made last session ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council; Board of Firefighter Training and Education Compensation Council; Emergency…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Open Met Council Application Process

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the application process for Metropolitan Council District 12 and District 15 seats. Interested and eligible applicants must submit application materials via…

Governor Walz Announces Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead Stepping Down on February 3

Walz thanks Harpstead for over five years of service to the State of Minnesota ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the resignation of Jodi Harpstead, Commissioner of the Department of Human…

Governor Walz Announces Over $5 Million for Food Security in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced $5.5 million in new funding for Minnesota food shelves. 50 percent of funds will go toward food from Minnesota producers and processers, supporting the local agricultural community. “No…

Governor Walz Thanks Charlene Briner for Creating, Implementing, and Leading the Office of Cannabis Management

Names Office of Cannabis Management General Counsel Eric Taubel as interim director ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced today that Charlene Briner will step down after building the Office of Cannabis…

Governor Walz Takes Executive Action, Announces Legislative Package to Stop Fraud

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order creating a centralized state fraud investigations unit operated by law enforcement at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The Governor also announced a new legislative package to…

Governor Walz Announces 2025 Governor's Fishing Opener to be Held in Crosslake

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the 77th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will take place in Crosslake on May 9-10, 2025. Each year Explore Minnesota works with the Governor’s Office, the Minnesota Department of…

Governor Walz Issues Writ of Special Election to Fill Vacancy in Senate District 60

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in Senate District 60 in Hennepin County following the passing of Senator Kari Dziedzic. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held on Tuesday,…

Governor Walz Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Former President Jimmy Carter

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise on Monday, December 30, until sunset on January 29, 2025, to honor the life and…

Governor Walz Issues Writ of Special Election to Fill Vacancy in House District 40B

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in House District 40B in Ramsey County following the resignation of Representative-elect Curtis Johnson. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held…

Governor Walz Announces Surge in Minnesota Exports

At $6.7 billion, state exports continue to outpace national rate ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that Minnesota exports rose to $6.7 billion last…

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Fifth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District. The vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the…

ICYMI: Governor Walz Celebrates Minnesota's Ranking as a Top State to Retire

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today celebrated the news that Minnesota was ranked a top-five state to retire by a Motley Fool study. States were ranked on factors including quality of life, affordable housing, safety, health care, and cost of…

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Appointments

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the following appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Council on Disability, Executive Board of Direct…

Governor Walz Announces Seven Business Expansion Projects, 750 New Jobs

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced more than $10.5 million for seven business expansion projects in the state. The projects are expected to support 755 jobs and leverage more than $86 million in outside investment. …

Governor Walz Announces First-in-the-Nation Advance Payment Option for Child Tax Credit

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced that taxpayers who qualify for Minnesota’s nation-leading Child Tax Credit will have the option to receive advance payments of the credit during the upcoming tax filing season. Minnesota is the…

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals Candidates to Governor Walz

ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending two candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. This vacancy will occur in January 2025. Janis…

Governor Walz Appoints Mariam Mokri and Jennifer Olson to Fill Fourth Judicial District Vacancies

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Mariam Mokri and Jennifer Olson as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. These seats will be chambered in Minneapolis in Hennepin County. Mariam…

Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz

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