Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), Kamala Harris’s running mate, is a former teacher and has made school policy his focus during his time leading the state of Minnesota, signing laws reflecting left-wing priorities. Walz’s economic agenda as governor included making public college tuition free for low-income students, transitioning to 100% renewable energy, implementing paid medical and family leave, and providing free meals for students in schools.

“It was my students who encouraged me to run,” Walz said. “They saw in me what I hoped to instill in them.”

Walz first got thrust into the spotlight for the nickname “Tampon Tim.” In 2023, Walz backed state legislation requiring public schools to provide feminine products, including tampons, pads, and other items, in all restrooms used by students in grades four through 12.

Walz is beloved by the teachers unions. According to the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, teachers were the top profession donating to the ticket within the first 24 hours.

However, according to critics, his dedication to them and their left wing policies have deteriorated education in Minnesota. From dropping reading and math scores, to pandemic era lockdowns and school closures, controversial school curriculums including critical race theory and transgender ideology. Walz’s tenure as governor since 2019 has served as a primary example of what sparked the conservative education backlash during and after the pandemic.

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Walz called a Muslim cleric who promoted a pro-Adolf Hitler film a “master teacher” who offered Walz lessons over the time they “spent together,” according to footage at a 2018 event unearthed by the Washington Examiner.

“I am a teacher, so when I see a master teacher, I know it,” Walz said.