How Tim Walz Went From A Lifelong Firearm Enthusiast To Leading The Gun Reform Charge

Twenty minutes into his state of the state address last April, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz turned to the issue of gun violence. The state legislature was considering proposals to impose universal background checks for buying firearms and a red-flag law that would temporarily bar people from buying guns if they presented a danger to themselves or others.

Walz threw his support behind both measures.

“I’ll go ahead and put my credibility up against anyone on this issue,” Walz told the lawmakers gathered at the Minnesota House of Representatives. “I’m a veteran and I’m a hunter. And for many years I was one of the best shots in Congress, and I got the dang trophies to prove it.”

“But I’m sick and tired of talking about that,” Walz added. “Because I’m not just a veteran, not just a hunter, not just a gun owner — I’m a father. And for many years I was a teacher. And we all know damn well weapons of war have no place in our schools, in our churches, in our banks, for anyone who wants to live in peace.”

The comments met with ringing applause. The following month, Walz signed the measures into law.

When Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, chose Walz as her running mate Tuesday, she elevated an unusual voice for gun reform — a lifelong firearm enthusiast who changed seven years ago from a darling of the National Rifle Association into a champion for gun safety.

Guns have played an important role in Walz’s life, personally and professionally. He grew up hunting in rural Nebraska and then served for 24 years in the Army National Guard.

In the years after his first election to the U.S. House in 2006, the NRA consistently awarded him an A rating for his pro-gun positions and endorsed him repeatedly in elections.

Wa