In a move aimed at boosting her historic bid for the White House, United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris, who seeks to become the first female President of the US, expressed pride in her choice, highlighting Walz's blue-collar credentials and extensive experience in public service.
"I am proud to announce that I've asked Tim Walz to be my running mate," Harris posted on X. "As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team."
Waltz called it "honor of a lifetime to join" join Kamala Harris' historic White House bid. "I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school," he added.
Who Is Tim Walz?
Tim Walz, a 60-year-old Democrat and military veteran, has risen to prominence through his plain-spoken television appearances and his tenure as governor of Minnesota. Born in West Point, Nebraska, Walz joined the Army National Guard and later became a teacher in Nebraska before moving to Mankato, Minnesota, in the 1990s. There, he taught social studies and coached football at Mankato West High School, news agency AP reported.
Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard, retiring in 2005 as a command sergeant major. His political career began with a surprising victory over a Republican incumbent in the 2006 congressional race, representing a largely rural district in southern Minnesota. During his six terms in the U.S. House, Walz championed veterans' issues and maintained a down-to-earth public image, often sharing moments from his life on social media.
Walz's selection as Harris's running mate is seen as a strategic move to bolster support in key Midwestern states, according to AP's report. While he does not hail from the crucial "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, his proximity and influence in Minnesota could be pivotal. Former US president Donald Trump has targeted Minnesota as a potential swing state, although it has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006.
During his tenure as governor, Walz has successfully navigated a divided legislature and championed significant liberal policies. His first term saw him broker compromises between a Democratic-led House and a Republican-controlled Senate. In his second term, with Democrats controlling both legislative chambers, Walz pursued an ambitious agenda, including the elimination of most state abortion restrictions, protection of gender-affirming care for transgender youth, and the legalisation of recreational marijuana.
Walz's administration also focused on funding free school meals, providing free tuition at public colleges for low-income families, and implementing a paid family and medical leave program, the report mentioned.
Walz has demonstrated a knack for sound-bite politics, recently calling Republican nominee Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance "just weird" in a widely shared interview. This phrase has since been echoed by Harris and other Democrats, encapsulating the unusual dynamics of the 2024 election.
As Election Day on November 5 approaches, Harris and Walz will aim to leverage their combined experience and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters in their quest for the White House.