Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential nominee, has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming November election. This decision concludes the speculation about her choice, positioning the duo against Republican nominee Donald Trump and his vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Walz, 60, is in his second term as Minnesota’s governor and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. A former educator and US Army National Guard veteran, he has a political background that includes 12 years in Congress representing a conservative rural district.
Walz first gained national attention in 2006 by winning a seat in a Republican-leaning congressional district. He served until 2018 when he became governor, a position he was re-elected to in 2022. His tenure has seen significant legislative accomplishments such as universal school meals, legalized marijuana, abortion protections, and gun control measures.
Prior to his political career, Walz was a geography teacher and served in the Army National Guard for 24 years. Known for his straightforward Midwestern demeanor, Walz has been a prominent supporter of the Biden-Harris administration.
Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate has boosted his national profile. He has been vocal in criticizing the Republican ticket, particularly targeting Trump and Vance. His blunt style and rural background have resonated with many voters.
Harris, the first woman of color nominated by a major party for vice president, has energized the Democratic Party since taking over as the candidate following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid on July 21. Harris and Walz are set to receive a warm welcome at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, with endorsements from former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Recent polls show Harris narrowing Trump’s lead, with a New York Times/Siena College poll indicating Trump leads Harris 48% to 46% among registered voters, down from a wider margin over Biden.
The Harris-Walz ticket will face Trump and Vance in the November 5 election.
