Vice President Harris revealed on Tuesday that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be her running mate in the upcoming November election against former President Trump.
In an announcement shared via Instagram and a text to supporters, Harris highlighted Walz’s dedication to middle-class families, noting his background in the National Guard and experience as a teacher. She emphasized how these aspects of his life shape his public service.
“What struck me most about Tim is his unwavering commitment to his family: Gwen, Gus, and Hope,” Harris stated, referring to Walz’s wife and children. She expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Walz and his wife Gwen to establish an administration rooted in their mutual values.
The upcoming November election will feature Vice President Harris with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
“We’re about to create a strong partnership,” Harris added. “We’re building a formidable team. We’re going to secure victory.”
Walz, a 60-year-old, was not initially seen as a frontrunner for the vice-presidential nomination, with figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly receiving more attention early on. However, Walz gained momentum following a viral interview in which he criticized some Republicans, a stance that resonated with national Democrats.
The decision to choose Walz followed an intense two-week period, marked by President Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign, Harris solidifying her position as the Democratic nominee, and a swift vetting process for her running mate.
The selection was well-received across the Democratic spectrum, with praise from both progressive and moderate members of the party. “Vice President Harris’s choice of Gov. Walz as her running mate is excellent,” noted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “Together, they will govern with strength and inclusivity.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett also praised Walz as a straightforward and compassionate leader who will drive the progress the country needs.
Harris’s decision, finalized late Monday, positions Walz as a stable choice with liberal credentials, distancing her from other contenders who faced criticism from certain factions within the party. This strategic move also aims to bolster Democratic efforts in the Midwest, a region Trump is increasingly targeting.
Nonetheless, Walz’s policies on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights are expected to face scrutiny from Republicans, who are likely to portray him as an extreme liberal.
Walz’s tenure as Minnesota’s governor during the George Floyd protests is anticipated to be a focal point of Republican attacks, particularly given the Trump campaign’s previous criticism of Harris’s support for bail funds for demonstrators arrested in the repercussion of Floyd’s death.
The Harris-Walz ticket will begin campaigning in battleground states this week, starting with an event in Philadelphia and continuing through key states including Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. However, planned visits to North Carolina and Georgia have been delayed due to Hurricane Debby’s impact on the Southeast.
