Local reactions to Walz as Harris’ VP pick: excitement and hope

State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie), a former longtime civics and government teacher at Eden Prairie High School, couldn’t contain his excitement when he heard that Gov. Tim Walz had been named the vice presidential running mate for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

“I’m ecstatic. My initial reaction – and this was my hope – was that I don’t think we’ve ever had a president or vice president who has been a classroom teacher,” Cwodzinski said on Tuesday. “I love the idea that we have a teacher in the White House or the vice president’s mansion. That is so cool to me as a teacher.”

Cwodzinski, who has been in the Minnesota State Senate since 2017, said Walz inspired him to run for public office because Walz was a social studies teacher who decided to run.

Walz, Minnesota’s governor since 2019, has a strong background in education. Before serving six terms as a U.S. representative, he taught geography and social studies at Mankato West High School.

(The 60-year-old Walz is not the first teacher to rise to national prominence; Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, also worked as a teacher before his political career.)

“I’m kind of grateful to him for where I am today,” Cwodzinski said.

Local reactions reflect optimism

In addition to Cwodzinski, local politicians and residents shared their reactions to Walz’s nomination.

Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and Roy Terwilliger, a former state senator who represented Eden Prairie and Edina, both expressed enthusiasm for the pick. Community members at several Night to Unite events in Eden Prairie on Tuesday also shared their views.

Cwodzinski believes Walz’s authenticity will resonate with voters.

“He is genuine,” Cwodzinski said of Walz. “I think people like that in a politician, an elected official. He’s sincere. He has all the wonderful attributes that great teachers have. I think he bestows those qualities and his resume checks every single box on a candidate wish list. I just think he’s going to handle himself so well, especially with moderates.”

Cwodzinski noted the widespread enthusiasm he observed among different age groups for the upcoming Nov. 5 election, where Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the nominee running against former President Donald Trump.

“I spoke with a group of young people last week who are so energized, and then on the same evening, I spoke to a bunch of senior citizens,” he said. “They’re all excited. And that was before Walz. I think Harris and Walz are just going to add an energy, enthusiasm, and exuberance that was maybe lacking in this campaign.”

Cwodzinski, who will be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month, expressed his anticipation for the event.

“It’s going to be an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “I wish every social studies teacher could do this at least once because I think it would enrich their curriculum.”

Case also voiced his support for Walz’s selection.

“I think not only is he a really decent human being, but I’ve also been with him enough over the years to acknowledge how competent he is and how heartfelt and relationally sensitive he is,” Case said Tuesday of Walz. “I’ve just been so impressed with that.”

Case believes it would benefit the people of Eden Prairie to have a vice president who is familiar with the city and knows its elected officials personally.

“We really have a direct connection right into the White House if Kamala Harris and Tim Walz win the presidency and vice presidency,” Case said. “I’m thrilled, and I wish them both the best.”

Terwilliger, a Republican who served as a Minnesota state senator from 1992 to 2002 and was known for his bipartisan approach and focus on education and economic development, added his perspective.

“Quite honestly, it’s good for Minnesota and the upper Midwest,” Terwilliger said Wednesday. “Anybody we can have on the national ticket talking about issues and what can be done to improve the country is a plus for Minnesota.”

Terwilliger emphasized the value of Walz’s experience.

“I know him a little bit,” Terwilliger said of Walz. “But in my opinion, his experience – six terms in Congress, growing up in a rural area, teaching in the Minnesota school system, coaching, and being governor – brings a lot of valuable experience to the table on policy issues.”

Community perspectives

At the Night to Unite parties in Eden Prairie on Tuesday night, the atmosphere was mostly about neighborhood camaraderie, but some couldn’t help but discuss the day’s big political news.

Yvonne, a local resident, said, “Absolutely excellent (referring to the Walz decision). The only bad thing is we’ll lose him as a governor because he is such a nice person. But, good for him.”

Preethi Muruganandan, an EPHS graduate and a rising senior at the University of Minnesota majoring in neuroscience and pre-med, shared excitement.

“I’m thrilled about Gov. Walz’s nomination as vice president, and I think he makes a great addition to the Harris ticket,” Muruganandan said. “He’s done so much for Minnesota in recent years, in terms of personal freedoms and the environment. I’m proud that our state can send someone up to the big stage. While I don’t think Kamala Harris necessarily needed Minnesota’s support in this election and could have chosen a candidate from a more ambiguous swing state, I’m happy with the choice and excited to see how the campaign plays out.”

Two men with differing political views were having a conversation when a reporter asked them about Walz. The discussion soon expanded to cover the broader election landscape. Both men, who did not want to be named, shared their thoughts candidly.

The first man chuckled as he recounted listening to talk radio earlier that day. “Sean Hannity already had his talking points,” he said. “I laughed out loud when he said Walz has destroyed the economy of the state. I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ We had surpluses. It’s such a dirty business. I think it’s a good choice.”

The second man, less enthused about Walz, responded, “Well, I’m just not a fan of that party. I’m not progressive in my thinking, and I think that’s where Walz is. Things that he did didn’t appeal to me in terms of some of the COVID policies. Although, I’m not 100 percent crazy about the other alternative either. It’s sad that we don’t have better options.”

The first man then criticized Trump for prioritizing loyalty over competence during his presidency. “That bugs me,” he said. “You got to be loyal to him, end of story. Whether you’re competent, that’s irrelevant. And I don’t want four years of that, kissing his you-know-what.”

He also offered his perspective on Walz’s leadership. “The one thing I would say about my observation of Walz is he appears to me to be someone whose priority is to serve,” he said. “And personally, I like that. You’re not elected to rule; you’re not elected to be king or sovereign. You’re elected to serve. You’re a public servant. He comes across to me as someone who is willing to serve.”

The second man summarized his frustration with the political system: “This is an either-or trap. It’s a binary trap. Is it this ditch or that ditch? That’s basically where the country is at. Either right ditch or left ditch. Come on. Let’s figure this out.”

A call for civility

Reflecting on the state of politics these days, Terwilliger underscored the need for a return to civility.

“What an unusual election it is,” Terwilliger said. “If the campaigns become more positive and we’re talking about issues and opportunities, it will be great for regular people. The opportunity to have their voices heard is wonderful.”

He continued, emphasizing a shift in discourse: “Less name-calling. The vibrations are so negative out there, and hopefully, it will turn. We live in interesting times.”

Editor’s note: Steve Schewe contributed to this story.

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Related Story: Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann of Eden Prairie criticizes Gov. Walz’s VP nomination, expressing concerns over his policies and their impact on the state.