Governor Walz and Gwen Walz Appreciation
and more for the white Dudes rising up on this occasion
This post is a week overdue, though I'm surely the only one who cares. If you read my last two posts here, you may be surprised to know how excited I am about Tim Walz. But let me explain. My reason should give every political staffer working on campaigns this cycle an added reason to adore him, and his wife, Gwen too.
I first met Governor Walz shortly just after his election to Congress. Democratic GAIN's ED at the time was Nikki Enfield from Minnesota. He introduced his CofS to GAIN, and they loved our mission. They co-signed onto one of our events. When Ashley Spillane was running GAIN a few years later, she engaged them further. Congressman Tim Walz headlined one of our fundraisers, and Gwen Walz joined our advisory board - to help lead engaging elected officials in supporting staff - especially in the post-election period. Over the years, several elected officials have supported our work - and a few spouses, too - but none as enthusiastic as Gwen Walz. They had a unique empathy that I haven't seen in many leaders.
Their commitment is not just to the issues and values we share but also to the people who work for them - the dedicated campaign staff struck me and has stuck with me.
A few years later, I was also part of a team that helped elect Walz Governor through an independent expenditure and have since watched him govern closely. Seeing Governor Walz sign the free lunch program brought me to tears and reminded me of his extraordinary empathy and ability to connect. We so desperately need these qualities in our leaders today. It is fun to watch the Joyful Warrier team, our President and Vice President nominees, today, and I couldn't be more excited about our ticket today! I hope you are, too.
As a side note, Governor Whitmer would make an amazing vice president. I am disappointed in the narrative that we needed a “White Dude” on the ticket, but I’m grateful that the one VP Harris chose is the best we could ever ask for. Governor Whitmer obviously agrees.
I am even more grateful to see so many awesome white dudes step up today—I’ve never seen anything quite like it in all my years in politics, and I am here for it!!!!! hank you, Ross Morales Rocketto, Brad Bauman, Mike Nellis, and the other awesome white dudes who have answered the call and are organizing today!
Read more about the amazing organizing they are doing!
Celebrity-studded ‘White Dudes for Harris’ call raises $4m for vice-president.
White Dudes for Harris have assembled. What comes next? - The Washington Post
Celebrity-studded ‘White Dudes for Harris’ call raises $4m for vice-president