Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate in the 2024 presidential race, according to reports from CNN and the Associated Press. This decision comes as Harris aims to gain an edge over former President Donald Trump with just over three months left until the November election.
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Tim Walz’s Background and Political Career
Tim Walz, 60, is a Nebraska-born governor of Minnesota and father of two. He has emerged as a frontrunner for the vice-presidential position alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and others in the weeks leading up to Harris’s decision. Harris’s campaign vetted about a dozen contenders before narrowing down the choice to Walz and Shapiro. The announcement was expected to follow after Democratic delegates overwhelmingly selected Harris as their nominee, with 99% of votes in her favor.
Walz has built a reputation as a moderate Democrat, having served as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota from 2007 to 2019 before becoming governor. He also holds the position of chair of the National Democratic Governors Association. Walz is seen as an appealing candidate for independents and moderate Democrats due to his working-class background and rural upbringing. Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “someone with a lived experience that is so comparable to so many of the people in rural America.”
Before entering politics, Walz graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska, served in the Army National Guard, and worked as a teacher. He began his teaching career on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he met his wife, Gwen. He later taught in China and at a high school in Mankato, Minnesota.
Walz’s political journey began with former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, following an incident where his high school students were questioned for having a Kerry sticker at a rally for then-President George W. Bush.
Political Accomplishments as Governor
As governor, Walz has implemented several significant policies, including ensuring tuition-free meals at participating state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy, and protecting gender-affirming healthcare. He recently defended these measures against right-wing criticism, humorously stating, “What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn, and women are making their own healthcare decisions.”
In May, Walz signed a bill expanding voting rights for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents in Minnesota. He also managed the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and police brutality protests following George Floyd’s death, though he faced criticism for his delayed response to the protests.
Upcoming Campaign and Criticisms
Walz and Harris will make their first joint appearance at 5:30 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. Walz has received backlash from Minnesota Republicans, particularly regarding his actions to protect gender-affirming care. John Helmberger, CEO of the Christian conservative group Minnesota Family Council, argued that Walz’s executive order to protect gender-affirming care “victimizes vulnerable young people.” Additionally, Walz has faced criticism from Republicans for referring to them as “weird people on the other side.”
Support for Walz
Walz has garnered support from notable figures, including former Obama strategist David Axelrod, who stated Walz is “running the most aggressive campaign” for vice president. Sources close to Harris have praised Walz’s efforts, describing him as having “Midwest grit” and an appeal that extends beyond the Midwest. Other supporters include Representative Angie Craig, a group of 50 progressive lawmakers, and the Gen Z-focused left-wing Won’t PAC Down political action group.
Minnesota’s Role in the 2024 Election
Minnesota will be a crucial swing state for Harris in November, one of seven key states that President Biden won in 2020. A recent Fox News poll shows Harris leading Trump in Minnesota by six points (52%-46%) in a head-to-head match. Including third-party candidates, Harris leads Trump 47%-41%. This lead marks a turnaround from a previous Emerson College poll that had Biden tied with Trump in Minnesota.
Major Endorsements for Harris
Harris has secured major endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Representative Nancy Pelosi. Obama’s endorsement came after Harris was officially named the party nominee, following a rules change approved by the Democratic National Convention’s rules panel.
The Road Ahead for Harris and Walz
Vice President Kamala Harris‘s choice of Tim Walz as her running mate adds a moderate and experienced politician to her ticket, potentially strengthening her appeal among independents and moderate Democrats. As the election approaches, Harris and Walz’s ability to connect with voters in key swing states like Minnesota will be crucial in determining their success against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
