Tim Walz, newly selected as Kamala Harris’s running mate, exemplifies a genuine working-class persona, according to recent financial disclosures. The Minnesota governor and his wife, Gwen, have a combined net worth of just $330,000, far below the wealth of many other politicians. Walz, who is 60, holds no significant assets like stocks, bonds, or property, aligning closely with the median net worth for Americans his age. His gross annual income, reported at $166,719 in 2022, reflects his modest financial standing. Despite being entitled to a higher salary as governor, Walz has chosen not to receive an additional $22,000.
Contrasting Wealth with Political Peers
Walz’s financial standing is in stark contrast to that of Kamala Harris, who has an estimated net worth of $8 million, largely due to her husband’s success in California’s entertainment law sector. The disparity becomes even more pronounced when compared to their opponents. Former President Donald Trump, for example, has an estimated net worth of $4.8 billion. Walz’s direct competitor, JD Vance, a former venture capitalist, has a net worth of up to $10.4 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Walz’s Down-to-Earth Appeal
Despite his lower financial standing, Walz’s background and persona resonate with many Americans. Raised in the heartland, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 and retired as a master sergeant before becoming a high school teacher and coach in Mankato, Minnesota. His entry into public service began in 2006 when he was elected to Congress. As governor, Walz has championed policies such as universal school lunches and legalized marijuana, which are popular among the Democratic Party base.
Balancing the Harris-Walz Ticket
Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate is seen as a strategic move to balance the ticket. While Harris’s career was built in the tech hub of San Francisco, Walz brings a connection to small-town America. His working-class roots are expected to appeal to voters in crucial battleground states in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, where practical, everyday concerns often outweigh divisive political issues. Walz’s authenticity and humble finances may resonate with lower-income voters, particularly in the Rust Belt, as the Harris-Walz ticket aims to secure support in these pivotal areas.