Kamala Harris Taps Tim Walz as Running Mate, Setting Stage for Tight Race Against Trump

Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

This decision concludes extensive speculation about Harris’ vice-presidential selection as she prepares to challenge Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump who has tapped Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Walz brings a noteworthy political background to the ticket. He first entered Congress in 2006, winning a Republican-leaning district in an upset victory. After serving in the House of Representatives, Walz successfully ran for governor of Minnesota in 2018 and secured re-election in 2022.

His tenure as governor has been marked by substantial progressive legislative achievements, including the implementation of universal school meals, marijuana legalization, strengthened abortion protections, and new gun control measures. Before his political career, Walz worked as a high school geography teacher in Mankato, Minnesota, and served for 24 years in the Army National Guard. His Midwestern demeanour and straightforward communication style have made him an appealing choice for the vice-presidential role.

In his capacity as head of the Democratic Governors Association, Walz has been actively supporting the Biden-Harris ticket over the past year. Walz caught the attention of national Democrats with his concise and impactful characterization of Trump and his allies as “weird.” Television clips have shown the Democratic governor criticizing Republicans’ “strange conduct” while highlighting his own accomplishments and the Democratic vision for governance should they regain the White House. His rural background, hailing from a small Nebraska town, may resonate with voters who have recently drifted away from the Democratic Party.

The governor has emphasized the importance of the “golden rule” in maintaining small-town harmony, stating that people should “mind their own business.” Some political analysts had predicted that Harris, as the first woman of colour nominated by a major party, would likely choose a white male running mate to balance the ticket. Harris, 59, aims to build on a strong campaign start after replacing Joe Biden who withdrew following a poorly received debate performance against Trump under pressure from party leadership.

The Democratic ticket is expected to receive an enthusiastic reception at the upcoming party convention in Chicago, with support from former presidents Obama and Clinton. Recent polling data indicates that the race between Trump and Harris has narrowed considerably. Trump now holds a marginal 2-point lead over Harris among registered voters, a significant decrease from the 8-point advantage he previously held over Biden earlier in the month.