How Tim Walz plans to juggle two jobs
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Since landing on the Democratic presidential ticket less than two weeks ago, Gov. Tim Walz has traveled the nation for rallies and ritzy fundraisers, raising the question of how he's doing his day job back home.
Why it matters: Candidate Walz is still the state's chief executive, responsible for overseeing dozens of state agencies and tens of thousands of employees.
- While the Legislature isn't in session, appointments, rulemaking, and other duties continue year-round, as does his management of any disasters or other state emergencies.
What they're saying: Walz's office insists it will remain business as usual in Minnesota, even if the governor isn't physically in St. Paul.
- "Our office continues to operate as it always does when he has had to travel as governor," spokesperson Claire Lancaster told Axios.
- "He is still meeting with staff, interviewing judges, and making decisions."
Zoom in: While his official public calendar has been sparse since the announcement, the schedule this week included those judicial candidate meetings. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan shared a selfie of the two "at the office" on Monday.
- The next day, he posted a photo of voting with his wife in St. Paul.
- By early afternoon that same day, he was in Los Angeles campaigning at a labor convention before headlining a fundraiser in Newport Beach.
Reality check: Walz can't be two places at once, and not everything can be done remotely.
- On Wednesday, while the VP candidate was hosting fundraisers in Denver and Boston, Flanagan and State Auditor Julie Blaha stepped up to lead two meetings that the governor typically runs.
Zoom out: Walz is far from the first sitting politician to run for another office — Kamala Harris herself is balancing the campaign trail with the vice presidency.
Between the lines: Unlike some other states, Minnesota doesn't require its governor to pass the baton when traveling domestically or abroad.
- That means he can continue to serve — and draw his $127,629 taxpayer-funded salary — while he's campaigning.
Yes, but: Flanagan, who would be elevated to governor if Harris and Walz win, may raise her own profile in his absence, with more solo appearances at ceremonial and public events over the next two months.
- She spoke last week at a FarmFest, where he had been scheduled to appear before the vice presidential announcement.
The intrigue: The Harris campaign announced Thursday that two key aides from the governor's office — longtime chief of staff Chris Schmitter and communications director Teddy Tschann — are joining the national team.
- Schmitter, stepping in as senior campaign adviser, will continue his state role in a limited capacity. Tschann, a national press secretary, will take a leave of absence.
What's next: Walz heads to his home state of Nebraska and the swing state of Pennsylvania for campaign events this weekend before landing in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention next week.