Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, his progressive policy record is coming under scrutiny, with the Trump campaign labeling him a "radical leftist."

Walz, a strong advocate for progressive causes, has a record on several key issues—such as abortion, climate change, and immigration—that could indicate the direction a Harris-Walz administration might take.

As Minnesota’s governor, Walz pursued a range of ambitious policies, including free school meals, middle-class tax cuts, and climate change goals. His selection has been praised by leading progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

However, Walz remains relatively unknown on the national stage. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll released Tuesday found that 71% of U.S. adults either have not heard of him or are unsure how to rate him.

For those newly familiar with Walz, here’s an overview of his positions on several critical issues:

**Abortion**  

Walz has been a staunch supporter of abortion rights, asserting that "Abortion is health care." As governor, he signed a bill in 2023 that codified abortion rights into state law, making Minnesota the first state to do so after the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade. The new law also protects other forms of reproductive health care, including contraception and fertility treatments. Additionally, Walz enacted legislation to shield patients and providers from legal challenges and penalties related to abortion care from restrictive states.

**Climate Change**  

Walz is a prominent advocate for climate action, aiming to transition Minnesota to 100% clean energy by 2040. His administration has promoted renewable energy projects and streamlined the permitting process for such initiatives. Walz also secured a $200 million grant from the EPA to reduce climate pollution in Minnesota’s food systems.

**U.S.-Mexico Border**  

Although Walz has not been a major voice in border policy, his record on immigration suggests support for reform. As governor, he signed laws extending health insurance to undocumented immigrants, allowing them to obtain driver’s licenses, and providing free tuition at state universities. Walz has expressed support for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented migrants and criticized Trump's border wall plans as ineffective.

**Israel-Gaza**  

Walz's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict aligns broadly with the Biden-Harris Administration. He has supported pro-Israel resolutions and condemned Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Walz has also endorsed humanitarian aid for Gaza and advocated for a ceasefire.

**Gun Control**  

Walz’s position on gun control has evolved over time. Once an NRA supporter, he now advocates for stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and a “red flag” law. He has signed legislation to implement these measures and has publicly supported banning assault weapons.

**Economy**  

Walz has pushed for significant economic reforms in Minnesota, including pro-labor legislation and investments in infrastructure and affordable housing. His administration has provided tax cuts for many residents and rebates for low- and middle-income families. 

**Paid Leave, Free School Meals, and Other Issues**  

Walz has also supported family-friendly policies, such as paid family and medical leave, and free school meals for children. He signed the North Star Promise Scholarship Program to provide tuition-free higher education for eligible low-income students and has endorsed recreational marijuana legalization.

For more detailed coverage, contact Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.