Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has largely mirrored the Biden administration's tech policy agenda, focusing on expanding broadband access and regulating AI, Mackenzie Weinger and Maria report.
Why it matters: Walz hasn't focused a lot on tech during his political career, but he's notched some wins on AI, emerging tech and rural broadband as Minnesota governor that Kamala Harris' campaign can point to.
Here's what you need to know about Walz and tech policy:
Artificial intelligence: In May 2023, Walz signed into law one of the first state regulations on deepfakes and elections.
- The law makes it a crime to share deepfakes to try to hurt a political candidate or influence an election, and also criminalizes people who non-consensually share deepfake sexual images of others.
- And Minnesota lawmakers have introduced more than a dozen bills over the last two years aimed at reining in generative AI and related technologies, according to an analysis shared with our Axios Twin Cities colleague Torey Van Oot.
Medical tech: Minnesota MedTech Hub 3.0 was designated by the Biden administration as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs around the country that show potential for rapid growth.
- The consortium is aiming to make the state a center for "Smart MedTech," or integrating AI, machine learning and data science into medical tech.
- "Minnesota leads the world in innovative medical technology, and as Governor I've made the case for critical investments in workforce development, education, research and more to bolster our position and keep us competitive," Walz said in a statement last year.
Telecoms: Walz was in the House from 2007 to 2019, largely focusing on agriculture and veterans' affairs issues during his time in office. But he did co-sponsor some rural broadband bills, and has worked on broadband issues as governor.
- In March, he announced over $50 million in grants to expand broadband access in the state.
- "Helping more Minnesotans get online at high speeds is one of the ways we're making Minnesota the best state for families, workers, and businesses," he said in a statement.
Our thought bubble: Kamala Harris was looking for someone with executive experience who could serve as a governing partner.
- While Walz doesn't have a significant background on tech policy, he's well-positioned to speak on the issue of expanding rural broadband access.
