LGBTQ+ politicians & leaders celebrate Tim Walz’s VP selection

LGBTQ+ politicians and organizational leaders largely cheered the selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Throughout his career, Walz has supported LGBTQ+ rights, inclusive school policies, gender-affirming care for trans youth, trans inclusion in sports, out military service, hate crime penalties, anti-censorship, and laws against so-called conversion therapy.

Related:

Tim Walz is an ally for LGBTQ+ rights you need to know about

Governor Tim Walz stands strong for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for equality and non-discrimination in Minnesota.

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“Tim Walz is an exceptionally effective governor – and also great to work with. I’m excited for what his Midwestern voice, military experience, and common-sense values will bring to our winning ticket, and for everything the Harris-Walz administration will deliver for Americans.”

Tim Walz is an exceptionally effective governor – and also great to work with. I’m excited for what his Midwestern voice, military experience, and common-sense values will bring to our winning ticket, and for everything the Harris-Walz administration will deliver for Americans.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 6, 2024

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

“I had the honor of serving with @Tim_Walz in Congress. As a veteran, a teacher, and a true public servant he will make a great Vice President. The path to the White House and the Senate majority runs through the Midwest, and I’m glad to see our party focusing on our region!”

I had the honor of serving with @Tim_Walz in Congress. As a veteran, a teacher, and a true public servant he will make a great Vice President.

The path to the White House and the Senate majority runs through the Midwest, and I’m glad to see our party focusing on our region!

— Tammy Baldwin (@tammybaldwin) August 6, 2024

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)

“In choosing Governor Tim Waltz, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen an affable and sensible Midwesterner with a bonafide appeal to the swing voters we need to win the election in November. Her selection stands in sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s self-inflicted wound of JD Vance, who has had the most inauspicious beginning in the history of Vice Presidential candidates. (Somewhere Dan Quayle is smiling). To call JD Vance a train wreck would be an insult to train wrecks. No one doubts that Donald Trump, reeling from buyer’s remorse, is secretly wishing he could get a refund, knowing as he must that the author of the ‘Art of the Deal’ got a raw deal in JD Vance.”

In choosing Governor Tim Waltz, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen an affable and sensible Midwesterner with a bonafide appeal to the swing voters we need to win the election in November. Her selection stands in sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s self-inflicted wound of JD…

— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) August 6, 2024

Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT)

“So thrilled! From universal school meals to passing the strongest child tax credit, Governor @Tim_Walz has been a champion for progressive and rural values. He understands the sharp contrast between Harris and the Trump-Vance ticket. And, he’s joyful. We need more of that.”

So thrilled! From universal school meals to passing the strongest child tax credit, Governor @Tim_Walz has been a champion for progressive and rural values. He understands the sharp contrast between Harris and the Trump-Vance ticket.

And, he's joyful. We need more of that. https://t.co/g4Oku8W0Y5

— Becca Balint (@BeccaBalintVT) August 6, 2024

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

“Congrats to our Governor and Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz. Former soldier, teacher, congressman. And not weird.”

Congrats to our Governor and Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz.

Former soldier, teacher, congressman. And not weird. pic.twitter.com/kgQn17q6Tr

— Angie Craig (@AngieCraigMN) August 6, 2024

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA)

“Governor Tim Walz is a home run pick for Vice-President Harris. He’s a former teacher and veteran and understands Congress. He has a strong record standing up for working families. Let’s go Harris-Walz because we are not going back!”

Governor Tim Walz is a home run pick for Vice-President Harris. He’s a former teacher and veteran and understands Congress. He has a strong record standing up for working families. Let’s go Harris-Walz because we are not going back!

— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) August 6, 2024

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)

“Governor Walz has the right background as a veteran, teacher, coach & public servant to be an effective partner for VP Harris. He’s a common sense leader who gets things done & I hope to welcome him back to NH as we work to expand opportunity & defend freedom for Granite Staters.”

Governor Walz has the right background as a veteran, teacher, coach & public servant to be an effective partner for VP Harris.

He’s a common sense leader who gets things done & I hope to welcome him back to NH as we work to expand opportunity & defend freedom for Granite Staters

— Chris Pappas (@ChrisPappasNH) August 6, 2024

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)

“I served with @Tim_Walz in the House for years before he became Gov. of MN. Great guy. Real deal authentic midwestern values. Gets big things done. Going to make JD Vance look like a used couch salesman.”

“@KamalaHarris made a great pick for the ticket & our nation. Well done!”

I served with @Tim_Walz in the House for years before he became Gov. of MN.

Great guy. Real deal authentic midwestern values. Gets big things done. Going to make JD Vance look like a used couch salesman.@KamalaHarris made a great pick for the ticket & our nation. Well done! https://t.co/uZN2IxGDwH

— Mark Pocan (@MarkPocan) August 6, 2024

Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA)

“I applaud Vice President Harris for choosing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to join her on the 2024 Democratic Presidential ticket. all of his life experiences—teacher, championship winning, football coach, Army National Guard veteran, Congressman, and governor—have made him the man for this moment.”

“I have seen firsthand just how effective a leader Governor Walz is. We both vied to be the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He won that internal caucus contest, but immediately brought me into the fold, because that’s the type of leader he is: a collaborative bridge builder. He then took those skills to the Minnesota State House, passing a bevy of progressive policies that have made the Land of 10,000 Lakes one of the best places to live in the country.”

“Beyond just his governing record, I have also been impressed by his ability to win competitive races. Governor Walz ran and won time and time again in a rural district when he was in Congress, and his ability to communicate with everyday Americans stands in deep contrast to Senator JD Vance’s deeply weird personality.”

“Vice President Harris has made a wise choice in choosing such a capable partner to campaign and govern with. I look forward to Governor Walz becoming Vice President Walz next January.”

Governor Walz is a superb choice.

My full statement: pic.twitter.com/2Bei3u5731

— Mark Takano (@MarkTakano) August 6, 2024

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey

“If you want to see the difference between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, just look at the quality and character of the person they chose as their running mate.”

“Tim had a two decade career as a teacher and in the Army reserves before he became an elected official. He is a person of deep integrity and empathy. As Governor, Tim has been a champion for the working families of his state and brings a common-sense approach to getting things done for the people he serves. He will be an outstanding partner to Kamala Harris during this campaign and as her Vice President.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

“With a proven Governor on Kamala Harris’s ticket, the path to victory is now even brighter. My friend Tim Walz is a strong governor who has delivered results, fought to protect and expand our freedom, and has a shared vision to help build a better future.”

With a proven Governor on Kamala Harris’s ticket, the path to victory is now even brighter. My friend Tim Walz is a strong governor who has delivered results, fought to protect and expand our freedom, and has a shared vision to help build a better future. 🇺🇸

— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) August 6, 2024

Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President

“There’s no doubt—Kamala Harris has electrified the nation and breathed new hope into the race,” said. “Her pick of governor Walz sends a message that a Harris-Walz administration will be committed to advancing equality and justice for all.”

“That is the choice we are faced with in America. A Trump-Vance Administration that would demonize LGBTQ+ people, terrorize our families, send our rights and freedoms back to ‘The Land Before Time’ and install Project 2025. Or a Harris-Walz Administration that will fight for our freedoms, defend our families, and make America a place where people don’t just get by—but can get ahead.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President

“Vice President Harris’ choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz underscores a longstanding commitment to the equality, prosperity, and safety of all Americans, including and especially for LGBTQ people. Gov. Walz has a proven record of including and protecting LGBTQ people and the fundamental freedoms all Americans treasure.”

“In this consequential election, we need all voices to speak up for the rights of LGBTQ people to be welcome as we are, live free from discrimination and harm, and pursue our own success and happiness. Voters can review the records of the Harris-Walz ticket to inform their own choices this fall, to reflect the country they want to live in, and to envision a future where all of us are more safe and free.”

Sayre E. Reece, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund Vice President

“The National LGBTQ Action Fund expected a strategic and bold choice as a strong addition to the ticket as a vice presidential candidate. In Gov. Walz we have gotten both. We applaud Vice President Harris’ decision and fully support the Harris/Walz ticket — in fact, you could call this a ‘Golden ticket.’”

Kat Rohn, executive director of Outfront Minnesota

“Tim Walz has been a consistent advocate for our community. As a former teacher, he’s always seen LGBTQ+ rights through the lens of welcoming everyone in the classroom. This approach extends to his governance, where he believes in the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their identity.”

“He’s someone who knows how to cheer on a team and get people fired up. I’m confident that Walz’s addition to the ticket will energize supporters and bring a positive focus on equality and inclusion into the campaign.”

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