The trajectory of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to potentially become Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024 originated in the small towns of Nebraska, where he was born and spent his formative years as a teacher.

Walz, who recently garnered attention for referring to the Republican Party as “weird,” started his career as a high school teacher and football coach and later joined the National Guard before entering Congress in 2006.

In the weeks ahead, his political career, military background, policy positions, and journey from Nebraska to Minnesota and Washington will be closely studied.

This exploration begins with a comparison of Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance, who has been selected by former President Trump as his running mate.

How do Walz and Vance stack up against each other?

Walz’s Journey from Nebraska to Washington

1964: Walz is born in West Point, Nebraska, a small town with around 3,500 residents, located northwest of Omaha. His family later relocates to Valentine, Nebraska, approximately 240 miles away, near the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

1981: At 17, while still in high school in Butte, Nebraska, he joins the Nebraska Army National Guard, specializing in heavy artillery, and earns ribbons in sharpshooting and grenades.

1982: He graduates from Butte High School.

1989: He completes his degree in social science education at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska.

1989-1990: He teaches high school classes in China through a Harvard-sponsored program and also teaches at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

1990-1996: He teaches at Alliance High School in Alliance, Nebraska.

1994: He marries Gwen Whipple, whom he met in Nebraska.

1996-2004: He moves to Mankato, Minnesota, where he teaches and coaches the football team at Mankato West High School, guiding the team to its first state championship in 1999.

1996-2005: He transfers to the Minnesota National Guard.

2001: He earns a master’s degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

2005: After 24 years in the National Guard, serving in locations including Afghanistan, he retires from his position as command sergeant major, marking him as the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in Congress.

2006: He is elected to represent Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and wins reelection in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016.

2018: He is elected as the 41^st governor of Minnesota and secures reelection in 2022.

2024: He is selected to be Kamala Harris’ running mate.