Minnesota Latinos say Tim Walz has been an ally as governor

Latinos are fewer in Minnesota than in some of the swing states Walz will have to help Harris win, but Hispanic supporters cited his legislative record and its impact.

Although their population is small compared to other states, Latinos in Minnesota said Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris' pick for running mate, has not overlooked them as governor.

Walz’s supporters say the Democratic governor made education and health care more accessible in the state and the workplace more accommodating for families. They also noted that he was the first governor to attend a major Latino cultural event in the state’s capital, St. Paul.

Walz’s relationship with Latinos in the state will be critical when he cites his Midwest experience while campaigning in the battleground states of Arizona, where about of a third of the population is Latino; Nevada (almost 29%); and other swing states, like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where Latino turnout could help decide a tight race.

About 38% of Minnesota Latinos who voted in 2020 backed Donald Trump, according to NBC News’ exit poll.

Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, executive director of Unidos MN, a group that advocates for immigrants, education and climate justice, said Walz’s record reflects that he regards the state's Latinos, including those in the immigrant community, “as another constituency within working families.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/tim-walz-ally-latinos-governor-minnesota-rcna165652

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