Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris announced on Tuesday that she has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate for the 2024 U.S. election.
Who is Tim Walz?
Walz, a 60-year-old former teacher and U.S. Army National Guard veteran, began his political journey in 2006. Prior to his congressional run, he was a social studies teacher in Mankato. Walz won his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 by defeating six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht. After serving 12 years in Congress, he became the Governor of Minnesota on November 6, 2018.
Progressive Agenda as Governor
As governor, Walz has championed a progressive agenda, including initiatives for free school meals, climate change action, middle-class tax cuts, and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers. He was reelected in 2022, securing his position against Republican nominee Scott Jensen. Walz had been a vocal supporter of Joe Biden, particularly amid criticism of Biden’s debate performance and calls for him to withdraw from his reelection bid.
Political Stance and Recent Criticisms
Walz has been active in critiquing Republicans, including branding the GOP, and specifically the Trump-Vance ticket, as “weird dudes” and sharply criticizing their political agenda. Over the past week, Walz has made several impactful statements against Republican policies and figures.
Endorsement of Kamala Harris
When Biden eventually dropped out, Walz endorsed Kamala Harris the following day. He has emerged as a dependable and dynamic advocate for Harris, underscoring the Harris campaign’s focus on “blue wall” states in the Midwest. Though Minnesota is slightly outside this region, Walz’s reputation as a progressive populist has made him a compelling choice for the Democratic ticket.
Military Service and Background
In addition to his political career, Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years after enlisting in 1981. His military career included postings in Arkansas, Texas, the Arctic Circle, New Ulm, Minnesota, and other locations. He specialized in heavy artillery and disaster response following natural calamities. Despite multiple overseas deployments, Walz did not see combat.
Implications of Walz’s Selection
The selection of Tim Walz highlights Kamala Harris’s strategy to appeal to Midwest voters while presenting a strong, progressive voice for the Democratic campaign.
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