Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Tuesday that she has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming election, placing him in the national spotlight with less than 100 days to go until Election Day. The news, first reported by CNN, was confirmed by the Associated Press. Harris is set to formally introduce Walz at a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this afternoon, as she looks to strengthen her appeal to voters across the country.
Walz emerged from a shortlist of potential vice-presidential candidates that included Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. While Walz, 60, was one of the less well-known contenders, his selection brings fresh attention to his political career, especially following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the race last month. Social media has buzzed with Gen Z activists introducing Walz to younger audiences, with some dubbing him “the midwestern dad we need as VP.”
The Democratic Party is hopeful that Walz can help Harris narrow margins in crucial battleground states such as Wisconsin and Michigan. Walz’s folksy demeanor, casual dress, small-town roots, and knack for connecting with skeptical midwestern voters are considered key assets for Harris, who hails from the progressive coastal areas. Initially presenting himself as a moderate, Walz has since shifted to embrace more progressive policies during his tenure as governor of Minnesota, drawing both praise and criticism.
During his time as governor, Walz has signed several progressive bills into law, including granting driver’s licenses to illegal migrants and restoring voting rights to over 55,000 formerly incarcerated individuals. He has also legalized recreational marijuana, tightened gun laws, declared abortion a “fundamental right,” and supported legal transgender medical interventions for children. His progressive agenda marks a significant shift from his early political career, where he was seen as a more centrist figure.
Walz faced significant challenges during his governorship, particularly during the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis. The riots, which erupted in the summer of 2020, resulted in at least two deaths, over 600 arrests, and more than $500 million in property damage to hundreds of businesses. The unrest led to a significant reduction in the city’s police force. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, mandating school and restaurant closures and indoor mask requirements. His stringent COVID measures, as well as the state’s nursing home deaths, drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who accused him of overreach and failure to engage with opposition lawmakers.
Walz’s leadership style was further scrutinized when a conservative group challenged his mask mandate, arguing that his actions constituted a power grab and that the law allowing emergency declarations was unconstitutional. The group ultimately lost its legal battle in the spring. Despite these challenges, Walz’s background as a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, high school football coach, and social studies teacher lends him a unique perspective and appeal.
In recent weeks, Walz has been vocal in his criticisms of the Trump-Vance ticket, even appearing on television to mock the duo, describing them as “just weird” on MSNBC. Notably, former President Donald Trump also chose a midwesterner, Ohio Senator JD Vance, as his running mate, creating an interesting parallel between the two tickets. One amusing commonality between Walz and Vance is their shared fondness for diet Mountain Dew, a lighthearted note in an otherwise high-stakes political landscape.
The decision to pair Harris with Walz underscores the Democratic Party’s strategic move to harness Walz’s midwestern appeal and progressive credentials. By selecting a running mate with strong regional ties and a history of progressive policymaking, Harris aims to consolidate support among key voter demographics, particularly in states critical to winning the election. As the campaign progresses, the impact of Walz’s addition to the ticket will be closely watched, as it may shape voter perceptions and influence the electoral map in significant ways.
