Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate for the November election against former President Donald Trump.
Walz, 60, has recently gained significant attention, emerging as a dark horse amid initial speculation about higher-profile candidates like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. His visibility surged following a viral interview in which he criticized certain Republicans as “weird,” a comment that resonated with national Democrats.
Walz’s selection reflects Harris’s strategy of opting for a candidate with strong progressive credentials and a reliable profile, contrasting with other contenders who faced criticism from left-leaning groups. As a governor from Minnesota, a key Midwestern state, Walz also counters Trump’s campaign efforts in the region despite its historical Democratic leanings.
Walz has served as Minnesota’s governor since 2019 and previously represented Minnesota’s 1st District in Congress from 2007 to 2019. His record includes advocating for progressive reforms such as free school lunches, cannabis legalization, and enhanced gun safety laws. He also chaired the Democratic Governors Association.
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Harris’s choice highlights her preference for a running mate with substantial governing experience. Walz, who was a frontrunner alongside Shapiro and others in recent weeks, emerged as a key candidate after a thorough vetting process that narrowed the list to him and Shapiro.
Walz’s appeal extends to independents and moderate Democrats, thanks to his working-class background and rural roots. Before entering politics, he served in the Army National Guard, taught in South Dakota and China, and was a high school teacher in Mankato, Minnesota. His political career began with John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign after an incident involving his students and a Kerry sticker.
As governor, Walz has secured accomplishments like tuition-free meals at state universities, enshrined abortion rights in state law, and banned conversion therapy. He has also defended his policies, including protections for gender-affirming care, against right-wing criticism. Recently, Walz expanded voting rights for formerly incarcerated residents and managed the state’s response to COVID-19 and protests following George Floyd’s death.
Walz has faced backlash from Republicans over his progressive policies, including his defense of gender-affirming care, which has become a contentious issue. Despite this, he is seen as an aggressive and appealing candidate for Harris’s ticket. Supporters, including Rep. Angie Craig and progressive groups, praise his Midwest appeal and his ability to counter Republican attacks.
Minnesota is expected to be a crucial swing state in the upcoming election, along with other key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump in Minnesota, a positive shift from earlier numbers. However, Harris trails Trump in other swing states, with mixed results in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
