BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, MI – Governor Tim Walz delivered a message of faith, compassion, and civic engagement during his visit to Victorious Believers Ministries Church in Saginaw County. Speaking before the predominantly Black congregation, Walz emphasized the role of faith in addressing systemic challenges and promoting civic responsibility.
The visit comes at a time when Michigan has drawn significant political attention, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump making several recent appearances in the state. Saginaw County has played a critical role in recent elections, with Trump narrowly defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016 by just 1,074 votes, only to lose the county to Joe Biden in 2020 by an even slimmer margin of 303 votes.
Reflecting on his Lutheran and Catholic upbringing, Walz spoke about the importance of living by Gospel principles. He highlighted a story from Vice President Harris’ youth, when her family took in a friend in need. “Kamala was living Matthew 25:40 in her life,” Walz said, referring to the biblical passage that calls for care of “the least of these.”
Addressing systemic inequalities in housing and healthcare, Walz praised Harris’ policies on down payment assistance and expanding Medicare for in-home care, aligning these with the church’s mission to support the vulnerable. He voiced concerns about disparities in outcomes between Black and White Americans. “How is it right, in the richest country in the world, that two babies born at the Saginaw hospital—if one’s a White baby and one’s a Black baby—the White baby is going to live longer because of how the system is set up?” he asked. “And again, if you take those two babies, the chance that the White baby is going to own a home is greater than the Black baby.”
Walz also challenged stereotypes about Black men, emphasizing that they are not broken but thriving, and that a fairer system would unlock even greater success. He stressed the need for leaders willing to confront systemic barriers. “When Kamala talks about this, she’s willing to take on those hard things… it’s about giving people an opportunity,” he said.
Walz urged the congregation to vote and take part in building a fairer democracy. He referenced a World War II chaplain, describing a “purest democracy” free of discrimination and hatred. “Let’s try and talk to our neighbors… it doesn’t have to be like this,” he said, calling for fellowship and decency. “There’s plenty to go around—we don’t need to leave some folks behind or leave some folks out,” he added, perhaps addressing concerns within the Black community about feeling overlooked by the Democratic Party.
Before attending the church service, Walz spoke at the United Association Local 85, a union of plumbers, steamfitters and HVACR technicians, encouraging supporters to mobilize voters in the final weeks before Election Day. As the election approaches, both parties are increasing efforts to sway undecided voters in Michigan.
