Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming election, according to three sources who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The choice aims to bolster the Democratic ticket’s appeal in crucial Midwestern states.
Harris is expected to introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia, where the two will make their first public appearance as running mates. The Vice President’s campaign plans to release a video announcement prior to the rally, though the exact timing remains undisclosed.
In choosing Walz, Harris opts for a Midwestern governor with a strong record of implementing progressive policies. Walz, a military veteran and union supporter, has successfully enacted an ambitious Democratic agenda in Minnesota, including comprehensive protections for abortion rights and substantial aid to families.
The selection comes after Harris officially claimed the Democratic nomination on Monday night when the Democratic National Committee (DNC) released final results. She was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other contenders qualified by last week’s deadline.
Walz’s selection follows intense speculation about Harris’s potential running mates. In recent days, reports suggested she had narrowed her choices to a trio of finalists, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, alongside Walz.
The decision to choose Walz reflects the campaign’s strategy to strengthen its position in the Midwest, a region crucial to electoral success. Walz’s experience as a governor and his track record on progressive issues are expected to appeal to a broad range of Democratic voters and potentially swing voters in key battleground states.
