Harris Unveils Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the 'Vice President America Deserves'

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate at an energetic rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. This was a significant step in the Democratic campaign as they head into the final stretch before Election Day.

“He’s the kind of person who makes people feel like they belong and then inspires them to dream big. … That’s the kind of vice president America deserves,” Harris said while introducing Walz.

Walz addressed the crowd with vigor, encouraging them to prepare for the challenging campaign ahead. “We’ve got 91 days. My God, that’s easy. We’ll sleep when we’re dead,” he proclaimed.

The selection comes after a turbulent period in U.S. politics. Republicans have strongly rallied behind Donald Trump following an assassination attempt, while President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign left Harris to quickly unify the Democratic Party and choose a running mate.

Walz, 60, brings to the ticket his experience as a Midwestern governor, a military veteran, and a staunch union supporter. He has enacted significant Democratic policies in Minnesota, including protections for abortion rights and family aid.

Harris aimed to strengthen her position in the upper Midwest, a critical region for presidential elections. Trump’s unexpected victories in Michigan and Wisconsin in 2016 remain a sore point for the Democrats, though he lost these states in 2020. The campaign now focuses on retaining these states and also eyeing Minnesota.

Since Walz’s announcement, the campaign has raised over $20 million from grassroots donors.

Walz remains relatively unknown nationally. A recent ABC News/Ipsos survey indicated that nearly 90% of U.S. adults had no opinion about him.

Harris used much of her speech to highlight Walz’s background, including his time as a social studies teacher and football coach. “To those who know him best, Tim is more than a governor,” she said.

“We both believe in lifting people up, not knocking them down,” she added, emphasizing their shared values and vision for the country.

Harris evaluated nearly twelve candidates before finalizing her decision on Walz, narrowing her choices down to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Walz. In making her selection, she sought someone with executive experience and wide appeal.

Walz’s selection was praised by a diverse range of lawmakers, from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

The process involved intense vetting by a team led by former Attorney General Eric Holder. Harris finalized her decision on Tuesday morning after consultations with top aides.

Other contenders for the VP spot have shown their support. Shapiro, who spoke at the rally, expressed his continued dedication to Pennsylvania politics rather than a national role.

Comments were swift from the Trump campaign, labeling Walz as a far-left liberal. Trump himself posted a message calling the Harris-Walz ticket “the most Radical Left duo in American history.”

Before entering politics, Walz had a multifaceted career, including roles as a teacher and National Guard officer. He began his political career by winning a congressional seat in 2006 and later became governor of Minnesota, where he navigated a divided state legislature with notable success.

Walz’s gubernatorial success continued with an easy reelection in 2022, coinciding with Democrats flipping the state Senate. He currently co-chairs the bipartisan Council of Governors, advising on homeland security and national defense.