A Look At Tim Walz’s Career Through Policy

The recent ascension of Tim Walz’s national political profile — from a popular, but nationally obscure midwest Governor to a Vice Presidential candidate — has many rushing to answer questions about his biography, positions, and experience. His policy positions will be just one of many factors that determine how he’s received — as well as the Democratic ticket overall. Nevertheless, our obsession with policymaking here at Plural made us eager to assess the VP pick based on his legislative history.

Governor Walz’s Electoral History

First, let’s quickly review the Governor’s path to this point in his career as a lawmaker. Following more than twenty years of service in the Army National Guard and nearly two decades as an educator, Tim Walz was elected to represent Minnesota District 1 in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006. Walz won election to that seat five more times, serving from 2007 through 2018. 

In 2018 Walz was elected Governor of Minnesota. He was later re-elected in 2022. He’s been governor through three two-year legislative sessions, plus several special sessions. Policymaking in Minnesota throughout this time has been largely defined by:

1. The response to protests following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis Police Officer
2. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic
3. The passage of many progressive “bucket list” items, including cannabis legalization and codified abortion rights

Walz’s Notable Policy Positions as U.S. Representative (2007-2018)

Walz’s career in Congress spanned three presidencies. It included an early stint in the majority (2007-2011) followed by an extended time in the minority (2011-2018). Of course, it’s impossible to capture the full scope of all that Tim Walz acted on in that time. However, we’ve summarized his actions on some of the most notable policy decisions during his tenure in the House below.

The Affordable Care Act

Walz joined most House Democrats in voting for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), the landmark healthcare legislation known as Obamacare. 

Foreign Wars & Military Spending

In 2007, Tim Walz voted for H.R. 1591 (later vetoed) and its successor H.R. 2206 (now law) to continue to fund the war in Iraq, amongst other provisions. However, Walz also supported a parallel effort to require a withdrawal from Iraq on a tight timeline. This effort eventually failed. 

In 2016, Walz voted for a failed amendment to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2001. Overall, Walz was fairly consistent with his support of military funding throughout his tenure in Congress.

Same-Sex Marriage

Walz supported and co-sponsored iterations of the Respect for Marriage Act that were introduced during his time in the House. The legislation sought to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act which barred federal recognition of same-sex marriages. It officially became law in 2022. These efforts were generally seen as a litmus test on support for same-sex marriage before Obegefell established the fundamental right in 2015.

Gun Control

Gun rights is an area where Walz’s positions have changed throughout his political career. Walz has generally moved left on gun rights — perhaps best exemplified by his vote against right-to-carry reciprocity legislation in 2017. Walz had co-sponsored similar legislation in 2011. 

Abortion Rights

Walz consistently opposed Republican-led efforts to establish federal restrictions on abortion rights. He voted against H.R.36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which passed the House in 2017.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Walz joined the majority of Democrats in opposing President Trump’s signature tax reduction package passed in 2017. 

Major Policy Positions as Governor

As Governors don’t vote on legislation, their positions are best gathered from public statements and decisions to sign or veto legislation that reaches their desks. Below we review Walz’s actions on some of the highest-profile policy debates in Minnesota over the past six years. 

Marijuana Legalization

Walz supported and signed HF 100 in 2023, which legalized adult use of marijuana in Minnesota. 

Abortion Rights

Governor Walz and Minnesota Democrats have expanded and codified abortion protections in Minnesota. Beyond enshrining fundamental abortion rights, they also passed legislation protecting Minnesota-based medical professionals and patients from legal action in states that restrict abortion rights. 

Labor Rights

The Governor has been largely supportive of labor rights throughout his tenure. In return, unions reciprocated the support. Notable wins for labor during the Walz administration have included:

• A paid sick leave law expanding access to the benefit.
• Establishment of a state-supported Paid Family and Medical Leave program in Minnesota.
• The banning of noncompete agreements and “captive audience” meetings. 

Characterizing Tim Walz’s Public Policy Positions

Governor Tim Walz has spent nearly twenty years in public office, both as a member of Congress and Governor of Minnesota. Despite this tenure, it’s clear that political pundits don’t immediately know how to characterize Walz’s policy stances as a whole. He’s been described as both a moderate and a progressive, and his policy record indicates signs of both.

In many ways, it seems obvious that a politician with such an extensive career cannot be neatly categorized. However, both parties will certainly look to define Walz’s policy track record in the coming weeks and months.

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