Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate for the November election against Donald Trump, according to sources close to the matter.Â
Walz, 60, was a surprise contender for the vice-presidential spot, gaining momentum in recent days, particularly after a cable news interview where he criticized some Republicans as “weird” – a phrase later echoed by national Democrats, The Hill reports.
This choice comes after initial speculation focused on other prominent Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D).
Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate was also seen as a strategic move to appease the left, given his strong liberal credentials.
Other contenders, such as Shapiro and Kelly, had faced criticism from progressive groups – Shapiro for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both for their stance on union issues.
Additionally, Walz’s Midwestern roots make him an attractive choice, as Trump has been actively campaigning in Minnesota, a state Biden won by 7 points in 2020. With Trump and JD Vance intensifying their efforts to flip the state, Walz’s presence on the ticket could help bolster support in a critical region.
Harris is set to announce her vice-presidential running mate today (Tuesday), ahead of a week of joint campaigning in crucial battleground states.
https://thehill.com/homenews/