Review of Minnesota Governor's COVID and Protest Response

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, a decision that brings renewed attention to his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest that followed George Floyd's murder in 2020. Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman praised Walz as a collaborative leader, emphasizing his ability to work effectively with the legislature and strong women in governance. However, Walz's tenure has not been without controversy. Critics, including Republican leaders, have pointed to his delayed response in deploying the National Guard during the Minneapolis riots, which were pivotal moments in the Black Lives Matter movement. This criticism highlights the challenges Walz faced in managing both public safety and civil rights during a tumultuous period. Additionally, Walz has faced scrutiny for allegedly violating his own COVID-19 restrictions by attending a memorial service for Floyd, which drew large crowds. While he defended his decision as necessary for societal healing, he acknowledged that better social distancing could have been implemented. Economic concerns also loom large, with critics arguing that Walz's policies have contributed to a structural deficit and rising living costs in Minnesota. The state has seen an uptick in violent crime since 2020, further complicating Walz's legacy as he steps into the national political arena alongside Harris. Walz's office has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these issues.