Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states, AP sources say. She will introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia
Mia Boykin
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has been selected as Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election, marking a significant shift in the national political landscape. The announcement on August 6, 2024, caps Walz’s rapid rise from a relatively unknown Midwestern governor to a key player on the national stage.
Who is Tim Walz?
Born in 1964 in rural Nebraska, Walz’s background is rooted in public service. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, serving for 24 years and retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. He has a bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College and a master’s from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before entering politics, Walz worked in agriculture and manufacturing, taught in China, and later became a high school teacher and football coach in Mankato, Minnesota. His diverse background, that of a veteran, a school teacher, and a farmer, makes him relatable and applicable to many of the voters in Midwest America.
Tim Walz Political Career
Walz’s political career began in 2006 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District for six terms. In 2018, he successfully ran for governor of Minnesota and was re-elected in 2022. As governor, Walz has implemented several progressive policies, including signing legislation establishing a 100% clean energy standard for Minnesota by 2040, providing free school meals to all Minnesota students, and advocating for reproductive rights. This background of political achievements is sure to have the more left-leaning Democratic voters fired up, as liberal ideas of universal healthcare and freedom of reproductive rights are a hot topic this election, especially for young voters.
Why Did Kamala Harris Choose Tim WalzÂ
The selection of Walz brings several strengths to the Harris ticket. His Midwest appeal and folksy, plainspoken demeanor could resonate with voters in crucial Rust Belt swing states, including his own state of Minnesota. As a former congressman from a rural district, Walz may help Democrats reconnect with rural white voters who have been trending Republican and may have their own biases against Harris.
However, Walz also faces potential challenges as he steps onto the national stage. Conservatives have criticized his handling of the 2020 George Floyd protests, particularly his delayed activation of the National Guard during the unrest in Minneapolis. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding handling pandemic-related fraud in federal programs, may come under scrutiny. His policies that are dedicated to public service can also be seen as too left by many conservatives and some liberals come November. Despite his recent rise in prominence, Walz still needs to be a household name nationally, which could be seen as a drawback.
The selection of Walz signals several strategic moves by the Harris campaign. It indicates a focus on winning back Midwestern states that have been competitive in recent elections. Walz’s background and style could complement Harris, potentially appealing to demographics where she may be less strong, such as veterans and rural white communities. His recent legislative successes in Minnesota have earned him plaudits from the left, which could help unite the Democratic base. Choosing a sitting governor with decades of executive experience and the ability to implement policies is a stark difference from Donald Trump’s pick, J.D. Vance.
Historic Duo: Hamala Harris and Tim Walz
If Harris and Walz are elected, it will trigger significant changes in Minnesota’s political landscape. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan would become Minnesota’s first female and first Native American governor, while state Sen. Bobby Jo Champion would become the first Black lieutenant governor of Minnesota.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are a strong ticket, they hold a great image ideologically – that of a Black and Indian woman with a Veteran and school teacher at her side. It’s a good image, and it’s obvious that Harris’s campaign is strategizing on finding the voters that, demographically, could easily vote for Trump and probably hold a mistrust towards Harris. Tim Walz gives many of them a familiar, local face, one that has made a genuine change in his state. It seems if things go to plan, Harris will snatch midwestern votes right out of Donald Trump’s hands.
