Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, aiming to enhance the Democratic ticket’s appeal in pivotal Midwestern states and among blue-collar voters.
Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran, has a background of successfully winning challenging elections in a rural U.S. House district before becoming governor in 2018 and winning reelection in 2022. His selection geographically and demographically balances Harris’s candidacy, offering a history of campaign victories in both purple and red areas, as well as a progressive governing record.
“Tim’s deep convictions about fighting for middle-class families truly resonate with me,” Harris stated. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he has consistently delivered for working families. Together, we aim to build a strong partnership. We start as underdogs, but I believe we can win this election.”
Walz is favored by the party’s progressive wing, especially as an alternative to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Harris interviewed both governors, along with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, in Washington as she finalized her shortlist.
Previously unfamiliar to many outside Minnesota, Walz’s approachable nature and direct criticisms of Republican rivals Donald Trump and J.D. Vance earned him admiration from Democratic officials and strategists seeking to appeal to white voters without college degrees.
In recent appearances, he positioned himself as a leading communicator for the party, famously labeling Republicans as “weird” for their policies that he claims infringe on personal rights.
Despite efforts from President Joe Biden’s campaign to depict Republicans as a threat to democracy and reproductive rights, such attacks failed to resonate as effectively, allowing Trump to rise in polls. However, after Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, Democrats rallied behind Walz, who delivered a clear and impactful message.
Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude for being considered as a running mate and congratulated Walz, indicating his support for the Harris-Walz ticket as they campaign for November’s election.
In response to Walz’s selection, the Trump campaign quickly aimed to undermine his appeal to rural voters, associating him with Harris’ more liberal background. They criticized Walz for his policies, including signing a bill mandating a transition to 100% non-carbon energy by 2040.
The campaign’s Republicans, through a political action committee, condemned Walz’s stances on various issues including transgender rights and the handling of protests following George Floyd’s death. They framed him as a political figure aligned with far-left ideologies.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended Walz, describing him as a centrist with a record of supporting veterans and emphasized his appeal to middle America.
Having grown up in a rural Nebraska community, Walz criticized national Republicans for focusing excessively on cultural issues. He expressed concern over Republican efforts to restrict rights impacting education and healthcare.
Walz emphasizes a practical Democratic approach rather than embracing labels like socialism, stating that his administration focuses on tangible improvements like infrastructure and education.
As governor, Walz has achieved notable policy victories appealing to progressive ideals, including providing free meals to public school students, expanding abortion access, and legalizing certain uses of THC. His pragmatic Midwestern image may provide a counterbalance to Harris’s historic candidacy as the first woman president and the first president of South Asian descent.
Political analysts believe that Walz’s working-class background may resonate similarly to that of Harris’s prior running mate, Joe Biden, positioning him to convey a working-class message effectively in crucial Rust Belt states.