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Tim Walberg
TimWalbergHeadshot.jpg
Chair of the House Education Committee
Assumed office
January 3, 2025
Preceded by Virginia Foxx
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded by Mark Schauer
Constituency 7th district (2011–2023)
5th district (2023–present)
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2009
Preceded by Joe Schwarz
Succeeded by Mark Schauer
Constituency 7th district
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
In office
January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1999
Preceded by James Hadden
Succeeded by Doug Spade
Constituency 40th district (1983–1992)
57th district (1992–1999)
Personal details
Born
Timothy Lee Walberg

(1951-04-12) April 12, 1951 (age 74)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse
Susan Walberg
(m. 1974)
Children 3
Education Western Illinois University
Moody Bible Institute
Taylor University (BA)
Wheaton College (MA)
Signature

Timothy Lee Walberg (born April 12, 1951) is an American politician. He serves as a U.S. representative for Michigan. He has been representing Michigan in Congress since 2011. Currently, he represents Michigan's 5th congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before 2023, he represented the 7th district from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2023. As the longest-serving member from Michigan, he is the current Dean of its group in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early Life and Education

Tim Walberg was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 12, 1951. His parents were Alice Ann and John A. Walberg. His grandparents on his father's side came from Sweden. He received his education in Chicago.

Serving in Michigan's Government

Before joining the U.S. House, Walberg was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He served there from 1983 to 1998. During this time, he also worked as a pastor. He was also a division manager for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Even with these roles, he continued to live in Michigan.

Representing Michigan in Congress

Tim Walberg has served multiple terms in the United States House of Representatives. He first served from 2007 to 2009. Then, he was re-elected and has served continuously since 2011.

How He Was Elected

After taking a break from politics, Walberg ran for Congress in 2004. He finished third in the Republican primary election that year. In 2006, he won the Republican primary and then the general election. This allowed him to become the representative for Michigan's 7th District.

In 2008, he lost his re-election bid to Mark Schauer. However, Walberg ran again in 2010 and successfully won back his seat. He defeated Mark Schauer in a close race. Since then, he has been re-elected several times. He won elections in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. In 2022, due to changes in district maps, he ran in Michigan's 5th congressional district and was re-elected.

What Committees He Works On

In Congress, representatives work in special groups called committees. These committees focus on different topics. Tim Walberg is part of important committees:

  • Committee on Education and the Workforce: This committee deals with schools, jobs, and training.
    • Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions: This group focuses on health, jobs, and retirement plans.
  • Committee on Energy and Commerce: This committee handles energy, trade, and technology.
    • Subcommittee on Communications and Technology: This group looks at how we communicate, like phones and the internet.
    • Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security: This group focuses on energy sources and keeping our power grid safe.
    • Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce: He helps lead this group that works on new ideas, information, and business.

Groups He Belongs To

Members of Congress often join groups called caucuses. These groups share common interests or goals. Tim Walberg is a member of several caucuses:

  • Republican Study Committee: A large group of conservative Republican members.
  • House Baltic Caucus: A group interested in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
  • Congressional Constitution Caucus: A group focused on the U.S. Constitution.
  • Congressional Coalition on Adoption: A group that supports adoption.

His Views on Important Issues

As a politician, Tim Walberg has specific views on many important topics.

Protecting Our Environment

Walberg has expressed his views on climate change. He believes that a higher power will take care of any major environmental problems.

Healthcare for Americans

Walberg has voted to change or remove the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This law is also known as Obamacare.

Views on Marriage

Walberg supports the traditional definition of marriage. He has voted against laws that would recognize other forms of marriage across different states.

About His Family

Tim Walberg is married to Sue Walberg. They got married in 1974. They have three adult children named Matthew, Heidi, and Caleb. Walberg is also an ordained pastor. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor. Today, he identifies as nondenominational. He attends a church connected with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

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