Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in a move aimed at boosting the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key Midwestern states and with blue-collar voters. Walz, a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran, brings a history of campaign wins in purple-to-red areas and a governing record seen as progressive.
Harris praised Walz for his convictions in fighting for middle-class families, citing his personal experience as a coach, teacher, veteran, and governor. The selection of Walz, who emerged as one of the party’s top communicators with straightforward attacks on Republicans, was seen as a win for the progressive wing of the party.
While Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was also considered for the running mate position, Harris ultimately chose Walz after interviews in Washington with both governors and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Shapiro expressed support for the Harris-Walz ticket and vowed to help them win in November.
The Trump campaign swiftly criticized Walz as a “dangerously liberal extremist” and tied him to Harris’ Bay Area background. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended Walz as a moderate Democrat focused on rural values and pragmatic governance.
With a pragmatic vision of Democratic governance, Walz is expected to convey a working-class message in crucial Rust Belt states. His policy wins and appeal as a teacher, coach, and military veteran may help balance Harris’ more liberal image and potentially broaden the ticket’s appeal to a wider range of voters. The campaign will rely on Walz to carry this message in neighboring states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
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