Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota

Tim Walz: Minnesota’s Crisis Response: The State’s Leaders

In the 2018 general elections, Tim Walz was elected as the governor of Minnesota, albeit a close contest that saw him defeat his rival, Jeff Johnson. He started his presidency early January 2019, assuming the mantle of leadership at a time when the state was in a budgetary surplus and enjoying economic prosperity, yet his tenure was characterized by major crises that defined him.

All these changes were not long implemented since the COVID-19 pandemic affected Minnesota and the world shortly after Walz assumed office. The governor of Minnesota Walz responded by proclaiming a peacetime state of emergency and subsequently signing several executive orders in a bid to contain the pandemic. These measures were a home-stay order, mandatory wearing of face masks, closure of operations, and limiting congregation. As some high profile critics have argued that Walz’s early actions of closing down businesses etc. , are too severe but, they were applauded for saving many lives and preventing Minnesota’s hospitals from being overrun.

Following the police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, Walz was forced to confront the protests and violent actions that ensued. He deployed the National Guard for maintaining order and at the same time empathized with protestors regarding their grievances regarding escalated police brutality and racism. His bipartisan style allowed for conflicts to be eased especially considering his drive to pass comprehensive police reform bills.

Apart from these crises, Walz’s has sought to have a progressive legislative agenda touching on education, health care, employment and the environment among others. For instance, he set out measures to lower the prices of insulin usage and emission from vehicles. He has at times been confronted with hostile stand of the Republican controlled State Senate and had to make certain concessions on policy priorities.

While Walz prepares for re-election in 2022, the governorship has been marked by its management of crisis situations. That is true, his approach to leadership is at times empathetical and he is willing to compromise but this has been criticized by the conservatives especially when he is supporting progressive policies. Should Walw be re-elected into office, he will most probably continue to pursue a centrist approach, with both conservative and progressive measures for progress in Minnesota.