Gov. Tim Walz Breaks 40-Year Tradition By Not Attending Law School

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stands at a press conference after two police officers and a first responder were shot and killed Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Burnsville, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

For over four decades, the Democratic Party has consistently nominated presidential and vice presidential candidates who have a background in law, but this tradition was recently broken with the selection of Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. Governor Walz is the first Democrat on a presidential ticket since 1980 to not have attended law school. Instead, he holds a master's degree in educational leadership.

The last Democrat on a presidential ticket to not have attended law school prior to Governor Walz was former President Jimmy Carter. It is worth noting that former Vice President Al Gore also did not complete his law degree at Vanderbilt Law School, as he decided to pursue a career in politics instead of becoming a lawyer.

Governor Tim Walz is the first Democrat VP candidate without a law degree since 1980.

Democratic Party traditionally nominates candidates with law backgrounds for VP.

Former President Jimmy Carter was the last Democrat VP candidate without a law degree.

This shift in the educational background of Democratic vice presidential nominees highlights a departure from the long-standing trend of legal expertise within the party's leadership. Governor Walz's background in educational leadership brings a unique perspective to the presidential ticket and underscores the diversity of experiences and expertise within the Democratic Party.