Tim Walz Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Children, Investigation, Net Worth
Tim Walz Biography
Timothy James Walz is the 41st Governor of Minnesota and a prominent American political figure. He was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska and grew up with strong community values rooted in public service and family.
Walz began his career in the Army National Guard, serving for 24 years before retiring as a command sergeant major. After earning a BS in social science education, he taught high school social studies and coached football.
In 2006 Walz won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, flipping a longtime Republican seat in Minnesota’s 1st District. He served there for 12 years, advocating for veterans and rural communities.
In 2018 Walz became governor, and he won re-election in 2022. As governor, he expanded free school meals, strengthened voting rights, and supported reproductive freedom and clean energy goals.
In 2024 Walz gained national attention as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris. Though the ticket did not win, his selection highlighted his leadership and bipartisan appeal.
In January 2026 Walz announced he will not seek a third term, choosing to focus on governing amid political pressure and ongoing state challenges.
Walz is married to Gwen Whipple Walz and they have two children. His story blends military service, education, and decades of political leadership.
Tim Walz Age | How Old is Tim Walz?
Tim Walz is 61 years old as of 2026, reflecting decades of leadership and public service. He was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska. As Minnesota’s 41st governor, his age highlights experience shaped by teaching and military service. Moreover, he served 24 years in the Army National Guard and 12 years in Congress, strengthening his seasoned and steady leadership profile.
Tim Walz Height | How Tall is Tim Walz?
Tim Walz stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), giving him a strong and confident public presence. As Minnesota’s 41st governor, his height complements his leadership image during speeches and public appearances. Moreover, his stature reflects years of discipline shaped by teaching and 24 years of Army National Guard service. Overall, Walz’s height adds to his approachable yet authoritative leadership style.
Tim Walz Education
Tim Walz earned a Bachelor of Science in social science education from Chadron State College in 1989, preparing him for a teaching career. Moreover, he then taught high school in China through an educational program. Later, Walz pursued graduate study and earned a Master’s in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001. In addition, he served students as a high school teacher and football coach in Minnesota. Moreover, his educational path shaped his focus on public education and policy. Throughout his career, Walz has emphasized the value of education in community development. His academic foundation and teaching experience inform his leadership as Governor of Minnesota and advocate for educational opportunity.
Tim Walz Political Party 2026 | Democratic Leader & Minnesota Governor
Tim Walz is a proud member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, Minnesota’s Democratic affiliate. Moreover, he aligns with the national Democratic Party’s values on healthcare, education, and voting rights. Walz served as a Democratic U.S. Representative before winning the governorship in 2018 and 2022. Additionally, he gained national attention as the 2024 Democratic vice‑presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris. His political party identity shapes his policy goals and public leadership.
Tim Walz Wife | Meet Gwen Walz
Tim Walz’s wife is Gwen Walz, a dedicated educator and community advocate. They married on June 4, 1994, after meeting as teachers in Nebraska. Moreover, Gwen studied at Gustavus Adolphus College and Minnesota State University before teaching English at Mankato West High School. She later worked as a school administrator and championed education and prison reform. In addition, Gwen became the first Minnesota first lady with an office in the state Capitol. Together, they share two children, Hope and Gus, and often speak about their family’s fertility journey. Hence, Gwen plays an active role in supporting Tim’s leadership and public service.
Tim Walz Children | Kids
Tim Walz’s children are daughter Hope and son Gus, whom he shares with his wife Gwen. His oldest child, Hope Walz, was born in 2001 and often appears with her family at public events. Moreover, Gus Walz, born in 2006, attends high school in Minnesota and supports his dad’s work. Hope and Gus influence their father’s focus on family and policy issues. Additionally, Walz has spoken about their family’s fertility journey and how it shaped their lives. Their strong bond reflects pride, resilience, and shared Minnesotan roots.
Tim Walz Parents
Tim Walz’s father was James F. Walz, a Korean War veteran and school superintendent. James taught and led in rural Nebraska schools, shaping Tim’s early view of service. Moreover, James worked in education after serving in the U.S. Army, influencing Tim’s own teaching path. Tim’s mother is Darlene Rose Walz (née Reiman), a homemaker and family anchor. After James died of lung cancer when Tim was a teen, Darlene worked to support her children. Her strength and values inspired his commitment to public service and community leadership.
Tim Walz History: Military Service, Teaching, & Political Rise
Tim Walz began his career in the Army National Guard, serving 24 years and rising to command sergeant major. After military duty, he earned a BS in social science education and became a teacher and coach. Moreover, Walz entered politics in 2006, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota’s 1st District. Then, he served 12 years in Congress, championing veterans and rural issues. In 2018 he won the Minnesota governorship, and he secured re-election in 2022. Additionally, Walz gained national recognition as the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee. His history reflects leadership in public service, education, and government reform.
Tim Walz Investigation | Minnesota Fraud Probes & Political Scrutiny
Governor Tim Walz faces intense scrutiny from multiple fraud investigations tied to Minnesota social‑services programs. Federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the FBI, are probing alleged misuse of federal funds in daycare and nutrition programs. Moreover, Republicans have pressured Walz and opened inquiries into the state’s handling of pandemic relief and child care fraud. In addition, federal prosecutors estimate that billions in taxpayer dollars may have been misappropriated. Walz has publicly welcomed federal oversight and pledged to strengthen fraud prevention and enforcement. Meanwhile, ongoing investigations contributed to his decision not to seek a third term as Minnesota governor. Critics argue his administration lacked oversight, while supporters say he is cooperating with investigators. The probes remain active, and Walz continues to address fraud concerns in statewide programs.
Tim Walz Reelection News | Minnesota Governor Drops Out Reelection Campaign
Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek reelection for a third term in 2026. After launching his reelection campaign, Walz said he could not give a political campaign his full effort. He cited an “extraordinarily difficult year for our state” and ongoing fraud investigations as reasons for stepping aside. Moreover, Walz acknowledged pressure from Republicans and intense public scrutiny tied to the program fraud debate. His decision opens the Minnesota governor’s race to new Democratic contenders, including speculation around Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Meanwhile, Walz said focusing on governing matters more than campaigning now.
Tim Walz Net Worth 2026
Tim Walz’s net worth is estimated at just over $1 million as of 2026, reflecting his lifelong dedication to public service. Moreover, he does not own stocks, bonds, or major real estate, underlining his modest financial profile compared to many American politicians. Walz earns a six‑figure salary as Governor of Minnesota, which he sometimes declines to emphasize fiscal responsibility. In addition, his wealth includes pensions from military and Congressional service, enhancing long‑term security. Furthermore, Walz’s finances reflect values rooted in service, not personal enrichment. Overall, his net worth shows a grounded and middle‑class background.
