Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in an effort to bolster the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states, according to sources familiar with the decision. Harris is expected to introduce Walz at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. The nomination of Walz comes after no other candidate qualified by the deadline last week, making Harris the sole eligible candidate to receive votes. The official nomination was claimed by Harris Monday night when the DNC released the final results, securing her spot as the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential candidate.
Vance, a senator from Ohio, did not provide immediate comments on Harris selecting Walz as her running mate as he boarded his campaign plane in Cincinnati. Former President Donald Trump criticized Walz in a fundraising email, labeling him as “Dangerously Liberal” and claiming he would bring chaos if elected as vice president. Despite the backlash from some Republicans, a Minnesota Democratic strategist praised Walz’s ability to connect with voters, stating that he will be a valuable ally for Harris in the Upper Midwest.
Harris’s selection of Walz was the result of a meticulous process involving a team of lawyers and political operatives led by former attorney general Eric Holder. Harris personally met with her three final choices before making the decision in collaboration with her top aides. Walz emerged as the preferred candidate due to his experience representing a diverse constituency in Minnesota.
The campaign faced a setback with Tropical Storm Debby affecting travel plans, resulting in the cancelation of stops in Georgia and North Carolina. Despite the challenges, Harris remains resolute in her commitment to tour battleground states, commencing in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. This decision marks a significant milestone in Harris’s political career, as she formally secures the Democratic presidential nomination, making her the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket. The nomination process was expedited following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, culminating in a swift and successful effort by Harris and her team to secure the necessary delegate support.
