Chris Schmitter
Chris Schmitter (Democratic Party) was the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Minnesota. Schmitter assumed office in 2019. Schmitter left office on October 2, 2025.
Schmitter is a Democratic political advisor in the state of Minnesota.
Education
Schmitter obtained a B.S., magna cum laude, in international politics from Georgetown University in 2006. He earned a J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2013.[1]
Career
Prior to becoming Gov. Walz's chief of staff, Schmitter worked for Walz when Walz was a member of the United States House of Representatives. Schmitter was deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Walz from 2009 to 2010, a senior legislative assistant and director of district planning from 2007 to 2008, and a legislative assistant in 2007. Schmitter was a field director for Walz's congressional campaign in 2006. Schmitter also served as campaign manager during Walz’s congressional re-election campaign in 2008.[2][1]
Schmitter was a law clerk for the Hon. John Tunheim of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota (2014-2015) and for the Hon. Sidney Thomas of the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit (2013-2014). Schmitter also worked as an attorney.[2][1]
Schmitter also worked as a field organizer for John Kerry's (D) 2004 presidential campaign.[1]
Tim Walz chief of staff (2019-2025)
 |
Is this person no longer a chief of staff? Please contact us with any updates. |
On January 8, 2019, Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced Schmitter as chief of staff.[2]Schmitter left the post in October, 2025.
Chief of staff
- See also: Gubernatorial chiefs of staff
In 2019, Ballotpedia identified Chris Schmitter as a gubernatorial chief of staff. A chief of staff is the lead staff member of an administration and is responsible for implementing the governor's agenda.
The role is both a managerial and advisory position, although specific duties vary by each administration. The chief of staff typically has the following responsibilities, according to the National Governors Association (NGA):[3]
- Control access to the governor and manage the governor's calendar;
- Monitor the flow of information to the governor on policy issues;
- Oversee gubernatorial Cabinet and staff; and
- Manage and communicate the governor's policy agenda to the state legislature and the public.
In terms of policymaking, the NGA notes that a chief of staff is responsible for bringing policy and communications together: "The chief is responsible for overseeing the development of the governor’s policy agenda. The policy director or advisor is typically responsible for shaping the general concepts and specific details of the agenda with input from the communications director, policy staff, and cabinet members. The chief often must take charge and bring the pieces together coherently."[3]
See also
External links
Footnotes
