Governors Association chair

Walz steps down as Democratic Governors Association chair

From CNN's Daniel Strauss

Now that he is Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has stepped down from the Democratic Governors Association, where he had been serving as chair.

According to DGA bylaws, because Walz is now a federal candidate, he cannot also serve as the sitting chairman of the umbrella organization for Democratic governors and gubernatorial candidates. Walz had been serving in the role since December.

In a note sent to DGA staff Monday and confirmed to CNN, DGA Executive Director Meghan Meehan-Draper wrote: “Having the DGA Chair become the VP candidate is a BIG DEAL and a thing to celebrate! His team (Gov. Walz) called me this morning to say ‘We want you to know how important the DGA is to the governor and to our whole team.’” 

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will succeed Walz as chair.

“I am honored to serve as the next chair of the Democratic Governors Association. I want to thank Governor Tim Walz for his leadership and partnership over this last year, helping to steer the ship to success – including breaking fundraising records and putting Democratic candidates for governor in the best position to be competitive in tough races this year. We will do everything in our power to ensure success of the Harris-Walz ticket this November,” Kelly said in a statement on Tuesday.