Tim Walz is from a family of teachers and why that’s important for educators in the US
No individual is the same, but there are certainly some similarities in voting intentions with some demographics and cohorts.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in early August, is one of the few high-profile politicians with a teaching background, is making waves in the upcoming election. Walz, a former social studies teacher, grew up in a family of educators, shaping his approach to policy in ways that resonate deeply with teachers across the United States. In fact, 56% of educators polled in a recent EdWeek survey held favourable views of Walz – significantly higher than his Republican counterpart, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who earned only 39% of the poll.
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With his teaching lineage, Walz might offer educators something they’re increasingly looking for in today’s divisive climate: someone who understands the job.
Which way do teachers lean?
In recent years, teachers’ unions have leaned heavily Democratic, throwing strong support behind candidates who align with their vision for public education. That alignment has only grown since Harris’s campaign launch, with the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association quickly backing her and her running mate, Walz.
Walz’s teaching background adds an extra dimension, potentially helping him connect with educators who’ve become cautious about discussing politics in classrooms, fearing backlash from parents or skepticism about how they approach topics like elections. This deep-seated understanding of educators’ real-world concerns could help Harris and Walz capture a traditionally Democratic but not wholly uniform voting bloc.
This is why MAGA wants to get rid of the Department of Education.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 27, 2024
Educated voters are more likely to vote for Democrats. pic.twitter.com/SsSpT9jzle
How Walz appeals to educators
Teachers appreciate leaders who understand their challenges, and Walz comes from a family of educators who lived those challenges daily. This shared experience is more than a resume bullet point for Walz; it’s a fundamental part of who he is. In a political world often distant from the day-to-day of school life, his family background may offer educators something they rarely find: a politician who genuinely “gets it.”
For many, it’s a refreshing change from being treated as a faceless group in policy debates, and it explains why Walz’s popularity isn’t just a result of union endorsements but also a sense of relatability.
Younger vs older teachers
While Walz’s background has earned him respect, teachers as a voting bloc aren’t a monolith. The EdWeek survey reveals a divide, particularly along generational lines. Younger educators are more likely to lean Republican, with 49% favouring Trump and Vance, still not a majority, compared to 35% supporting Harris and Walz.
This split reflects a unique challenge for the Democrats, as younger teachers might not resonate with the traditional union-led Democratic base. Still, Walz’s background could draw in older teachers who see education’s importance in his family history.
Could educators influence the 2024 US election?
Teachers might not be swayed by family ties alone, but Walz’s personal connection to education could make a difference. In a political landscape that often leaves educators feeling sidelined, a leader who comes from a family of teachers may stand out.
As this election heats up, Walz’s background could be the factor that nudges undecided educators towards his ticket, potentially shaping the future of education policy in the US.
Finances behind Tim Walz
Walz stands out in politics for his modest financial profile, with no personal stock investments and no amassed wealth during his tenure. He belongs to a small group in Congress (7%) without stocks or investment funds, holding only public pension stocks from his teaching and public service roles.
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In 2011, he supported a bill to ban Congress members from stock trading, citing concerns about insider gains undermining public trust.
As Minnesota’s governor, Walz earns $149,550, the highest in state history, placing him in the upper-middle class. Unlike many, he and his family own no property, having sold their home to move into the governor’s mansion. This salary is below those of the highest-paid governors in New York, Pennsylvania, and California but close to the national median of $148,939.
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