Twenty minutes into his state of the state address last April, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz turned to the issue of gun violence. The state legislature was considering proposals to impose universal background checks for buying firearms and a red-flag law that would temporarily bar people from buying guns if they presented a danger to themselves or others.

Walz threw his support behind both measures.

Ill go ahead and put my credibility up against anyone on this issue, Walz told the lawmakers gathered at the Minnesota House of Representatives. Im a veteran and Im a hunter. And for many years I was one of the best shots in Congress, and I got the dang trophies to prove it.

But Im sick and tired of talking about that, Walz added. Because Im not just a veteran, not just a hunter, not just a gun owner Im a father. And for many years I was a teacher. And we all know damn well weapons of war have no place in our schools, in our churches, in our banks, for anyone who wants to live in peace.

The comments met with ringing applause. The following month, Walz signed the measures into law.

When Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, chose Walz as her running mate Tuesday, she elevated an unusual voice for gun reform a lifelong firearm enthusiast who changed seven years ago from a darling of the National Rifle Association into a champion for gun safety.