On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
After nearly seven years, Schmitter is longest serving Governor’s Office Chief of Staff in state history; Walz names long-time aide Patrick Tanis as chief of staff
10/2/2025 12:12:20 PM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the departure of his Chief of Staff of seven years, Chris Schmitter. Schmitter will serve through the end of October and become a senior advisor to Governor Walz and his reelection campaign in a political capacity. The Governor named long-time aide Patrick Tanis to serve as Schmitter's successor.
“When I first became governor, I set a goal of making Minnesota the best state for kids, and I tasked Chris with making that vision a reality,” said Governor Walz. “Nobody had a bigger hand in driving Minnesota's nation-leading Child Tax Credit than Chris. Today, because of his leadership and the hard work of folks across my administration, we have reduced child poverty, increased access to pre-k and early childhood education, and made sure every student is fed breakfast and lunch.”
Schmitter, a lawyer and native of Rochester, Minnesota, helped Governor Walz manage the most difficult crises in the last seven years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and was critical to passing signature legislation, including the child tax credit and historic funding for education. After seven years as the Governor's top advisor, Schmitter leaves state service as the longest-serving chief of staff to a governor in state history.
“Whether he was at the negotiating table with legislative leaders or in the cabinet room leading strategic planning, Chris ensured we stuck to our goal and put children and families at the center of all that we do,” Governor Walz continued. “Chris has been at my side for every major decision - every high, and every low - and I can confidently say that generations of Minnesotans will be better off today for his focus, tireless work, and clear sense of servant leadership.”
"I have had the privilege over the last seven years to do something truly remarkable: To serve the State of Minnesota under circumstances that have been transformative and challenging, during times of generational change and moments of true bipartisan collaboration," said Schmitter. "It has been the honor of a lifetime, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the Governor, his cabinet, and the staff in the Governor’s office for showing up every single day prepared to improve people’s lives. Together, we have ensured that fewer kids are hungry, fewer are in poverty, and more are likely to grow up and succeed right here in Minnesota.”
Governor Walz named Patrick Tanis, current deputy chief of staff, as incoming chief of staff.
“I'm proud to announce that Patrick Tanis will be taking over as my Chief of Staff," said Governor Walz. “Patrick is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and has spent the last seven years helping to solve the toughest challenges in state government – from labor strikes, to legislative negotiations, to a global pandemic. Patrick is a problem solver and public servant through and through. He will make sure the Governor’s Office is firing on all cylinders and delivering for the people of Minnesota.”
"It's the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Minnesota in this position, and I'm ready to get to work," said Patrick Tanis. "I look forward to helping Governor Walz build on the progress we've made in Minnesota and protect our state from the chaos and dysfunction in Washington. As Governor Walz always says, if Washington won't lead, Minnesota will. I'm excited to help Governor Walz make sure Minnesota continues to be a national leader and the best place in the country to raise a family."
Tanis, a long-time aide to Governor Walz, started working for Walz when he first ran for Congress in 2005. Tanis has served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office since Walz first took office in 2019 and has managed external relations, advised on legislative affairs and budget negotiations, and helped the Walz Administration respond to unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. Tanis, a former elementary school teacher who holds a Master of Arts in teaching from Hamline University, was born and raised in Saint Peter, Minnesota.