Kamala Harris announces Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as running mate

In an Instagram post, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Tim walz to be my running mate.” She praised his deep commitment to middle-class families and shared that Walz’s personal experiences, including his reliance on social security survivor benefits after his father’s death and his use of the GI Bill for college, deeply resonate with her. Harris also noted Walz’s diverse background, from coaching high school football to advising a gay-straight alliance, as significant in shaping his governance.

 

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Harris lauded Minnesota Democrats’ legislative achievements, including laws protecting abortion access and implementing universal background checks for gun purchases. “What impressed me most about Tim is his deep commitment to his family,” she added.

Walz, on X, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.”

It is the honor of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign.

I’m all in.

Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.

So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us. https://t.co/tqOVsw2OLM

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 6, 2024

A former educator and US Army National Guard veteran, 60-year-old Walz is currently serving his second term as the Governor of Minnesota and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. He previously spent 12 years in Congress, representing a conservative rural district that has largely been Republican-dominated both before and after his tenure.

Walz, first made a mark in 2006 when he ran for office in a Republican-leaning congressional district and defeated the incumbent. He retained his seat until 2018 when he won the Minnesota governorship, a position he has held again since 2022. During his tenure, Walz has achieved significant legislative successes, including universal school meals, legalised marijuana, abortion protections, and gun control measures.

Before his political career, Walz was a geography teacher in Mankato, Minnesota, and served for 24 years in the Army National Guard. His straightforward Midwestern charm and directness have made him a standout figure. As the head of the Democratic Governors Association, he has been a vocal supporter of Biden and Harris.

Walz was a relative unknown nationally until the Harris “veepstakes” heated up, but his profile has since surged. A popular member of Congress, he reportedly had the backing of powerful former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was instrumental in persuading Biden to leave the race.

In recent weeks, Walz has made headlines with sharp critiques of Republicans, particularly targeting the GOP’s presidential ticket of Former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. He has referred to the duo as “weird dudes” and has been vocal in denouncing their political agenda. His straightforward approach has resonated with voters, especially given his rural roots from small-town Nebraska.

Political analysts had anticipated that Harris, as the first woman of colour nominated by a major party, might choose a white man to balance the ticket. However, Harris’s selection of Walz defies these expectations.

Harris, the 59-year-old former California senator, has revived the Democratic Party’s hopes of an election victory since becoming its candidate after President Joe Biden, 81, ended his failing reelection bid under party pressure on July 21.

Harris and Walz are expected to receive a warm reception at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago starting on 19 August. They have been endorsed by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Recent polling indicates that Harris has narrowed Trump’s lead. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll published on 25 July, Trump was ahead of Harris by 48% to 46% among registered voters, compared to his earlier lead of 49% to 41% over Biden.

Harris and Walz will face Trump and his running mate JD Vance, also a military veteran from the Midwest, in a Nov. 5 election.