Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, elevating the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran to join the Democratic ticket and spearhead the party’s campaign against Donald Trump.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Harris delivered the news to Walz via a video call. This decision concludes one of the fastest vice-presidential searches in modern history, highlighting Walz’s rapid rise from relative obscurity to a prominent figure leading the party’s opposition to Trump and the MAGA agenda.
Walz emerged from a shortlist that included half a dozen Democrats, such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Harris conducted in-person interviews with Walz, Shapiro, and Kelly on Sunday.
Although Harris and Walz did not have a longstanding relationship, aides noted that Harris grew increasingly impressed with Walz’s genuine personality and found a warm chemistry during their final meeting at her residence at the Naval Observatory. Harris praised Walz’s authenticity, according to a source close to the process.
The new ticket made their first joint appearance at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where Walz showcased his dual role as a down-to-earth Midwesterner and a fierce advocate for Harris. “Thank you for bringing back the joy,” he said, expressing his excitement to embark on this journey with Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. “We’ve got 91 days. We’ll sleep when we’re dead,” Walz told the crowd, promising to support Harris and the American people.
Walz’s rapid ascent in the selection process was bolstered by support from across the Democratic Party, from both progressive and moderate factions. A longtime Democratic operative highlighted Walz’s appeal to voters who have drifted towards Trump, citing his relatable and authentic demeanor.
In March, Walz accompanied Harris for a historic visit to a clinic that performs abortions, an experience that reportedly had a significant impact on the duo’s developing rapport. The chemistry during their encounters and Walz’s ability to energize the Democratic base were key factors in Harris’s decision.
However, the Trump campaign wasted no time in criticizing Harris’s choice, accusing her of bending to the “anti-semitic, anti-Israel left.” They contend that Shapiro, who is Jewish, would have been a more strategic pick. Additionally, Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Walz attempted to reshape Minnesota “in the image of the Golden State.”
Currently in his second term as Minnesota governor, Walz has a background as a high school teacher and football coach, and he served in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of command sergeant major. His political career includes 12 years in Congress representing a conservative-leaning rural district, where he balanced a centrist voting record with stances on abortion rights and gun safety.
Walz’s path to Harris’ running mate began as he ardently defended Joe Biden during and after the president’s debate performances. Following Biden’s exit from the race, Walz endorsed Harris and emerged as a sharp and energetic advocate for her campaign.
Harris’s selection of Walz underscores her focus on securing a victory through the “blue wall” states in the Midwest. Walz’s blend of progressive populism and his appeal as a folk hero type make him a strategically important choice in the battle against Trump.
In recent speeches, Walz has delivered sharp attacks against the GOP, particularly targeting Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. His notable term “weird dudes” used to describe the Trump-Vance ticket has quickly become a meme, galvanizing Democrats and irking Republicans.
At a “White Dudes for Harris” fundraiser, Walz passionately argued for Harris’s campaign, emphasizing the rare opportunity to enact significant change and challenge the opposition. His narrative about personal struggles with infertility and support for in vitro fertilization further resonated with audiences and underscored his commitment to reproductive rights.
Walz’s autobiography features a modest upbringing in a small town, adding another relatable layer to his political persona. His prior service as a teacher and coach, coupled with his extensive military experience and centrist Congressional record, round out a compelling biography.
Walz’s tenure as governor has seen him navigate divided government and slim legislative majorities, culminating in a Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party trifecta in 2022. This legislative control enabled the passage of significant social welfare programs and progressive policies, earning praise from progressives and figures like former President Barack Obama.
As speculation about Harris’s vice-presidential choice mounted, Walz initially appeared a long shot. Yet, his bipartisan appeal, experience, and support from various Democratic factions ultimately made him a strong contender.
Republican reactions to Walz’s selection have been mixed, with some expressing relief that Harris did not choose the more formidable Shapiro. Tim Walz’s choice signifies a strategic effort by the Harris campaign to mobilize Midwestern voters, paralleling the Trump campaign’s reliance on JD Vance’s Ohio roots.
Democratic strategist Raghu Devaguptapu described Walz as a dependable and thoughtful leader, capable of building broad coalitions – strengths that Harris’s campaign aims to leverage in the upcoming election.
