Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. The announcement marks a strategic choice for Harris, aiming to bolster her ticket with a candidate known for his deep commitment to middle-class issues.
Harris praised Walz for his personal and political dedication to working families, highlighting his diverse background as a former teacher, coach, veteran, and governor. "Tim’s convictions on fighting for middle-class families run deep," she stated. "We start out as underdogs but I believe together, we can win this election."
Walz expressed his gratitude for the selection, calling it "the honor of a lifetime."
At 60, Walz brings extensive experience to the ticket. He has served as Minnesota's governor since 2018, securing a second term in 2022. Before that, he was a U.S. Congressman from a rural, conservative district in Minnesota. Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move to appeal to working-class voters and to strengthen Harris's position in key Midwestern battleground states.
Walz's appointment follows an intensive vetting process. Harris had considered several candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, before finalizing her decision. Despite being less known on the national stage, Walz's experience and his background as a veteran and gun owner may help Harris connect with a broader electorate, including working-class White voters who have shifted away from the Democratic Party.
Walz’s political career began later in life after a two-decade career as a public school teacher and football coach. His tenure as governor has included progressive initiatives such as legalizing recreational marijuana, expanding LGBTQ protections, and implementing free school meals, though these have faced criticism from some Republicans.
The choice of Walz also reflects a focus on Midwestern states, as he has been actively campaigning against the Trump-Vance ticket and addressing concerns about the direction of the country under Republican leadership.
Harris and Walz are set to embark on a campaign tour starting with a rally in Philadelphia, followed by stops in Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and other battleground states. This selection is seen as a pivotal moment in Harris's campaign, aiming to unite and energize voters ahead of the November election.
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