Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate.
Known for his progressive policies and straightforward communication style, Walz is expected to bolster Harris’s appeal among rural, white voters.
Walz, a 60-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and former teacher, gained prominence after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from a Republican-leaning district in 2006.
He served for 12 years before becoming the governor of Minnesota in 2018. As governor, Walz has championed a progressive agenda, advocating for free school meals, climate change initiatives, middle-class tax cuts, and expanded paid leave.
Additionally, he has been a strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights while also defending agricultural interests and gun rights during his tenure in the House.
Harris, whose parents immigrated from Jamaica and India, has added a popular Midwestern figure to her ticket. Minnesota, while reliably Democratic in presidential elections, is bordered by crucial battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Walz’s ability to connect with rural, white voters, a demographic that heavily favored Donald Trump in previous elections, is seen as a strategic advantage.
The Harris campaign is banking on Walz’s military background and relatable persona, including his time as a high school football coach and his “Dad joke” videos, to attract voters who may be undecided about a second Trump term.
“For the records, Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Friday had a very successful campaign tour of Winneba in the Effutu constituency. She visited market women in their shops and stalls at the Winneba market, and interacted with shoppers and lorry drivers, amongst others, amidst cheers and encouragement from the public.
“She also drove through some principal streets of Winneba and was given a rousing welcome.”
Harris, 59, revitalized the Democratic Party’s electoral hopes after becoming the candidate following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign on July 21 under party pressure.
Walz, previously a relatively unknown figure on the national stage, gained significant attention during the Harris “veepstakes.” His selection was reportedly backed by influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who played a crucial role in persuading Biden to exit the race. Harris and Walz will face off against Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, in the upcoming November 5 election.
Walz, often seen campaigning in casual attire like a camouflage baseball hat and T-shirt, has been vocal in his criticism of Trump and Vance, calling them “weird,” a term that has resonated with the Harris campaign, social media, and Democratic activists.
In the 2016 election, Trump secured 59% of the rural vote, which increased to 65% in 2020 despite his overall loss. Walz’s 2022 gubernatorial victory, with 52.27% of the vote against his Republican opponent’s 44.61%, demonstrated his appeal, though rural areas still largely supported his opponent.
Throughout his career, Walz has supported key Democratic positions on issues like abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and the Affordable Care Act. However, he maintained a centrist voting record in Congress, advocating for farmers, military veterans, and gun rights, earning praise from the National Rifle Association. His stance on gun control shifted during his gubernatorial campaign, resulting in a failing grade from the NRA.
Walz’s evolution from a centrist congressman to a progressive governor may reflect the demands of his voter base in urban areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul, though it leaves him vulnerable to Republican criticism. Political analyst Dawkins noted, “He runs the risk of reinforcing some of the worst fears people have of Kamala Harris being a San Francisco liberal.”
Walz counters such attacks by highlighting his progressive achievements. “What a monster. Kids are eating and having full bellies, so they can go learn and women are making their own healthcare decisions,” Walz remarked in a July CNN interview. “So if that’s where they want to label me, I’m more than happy to take the label.”
As governor, Walz implemented mandatory face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic, signed a law making marital rape illegal, and managed several years of budget surpluses. His tenure also saw the high-profile prosecution of the police officer responsible for George Floyd’s death, a case that drew national attention.
With the backing of influential labor unions and a track record of addressing critical social issues, Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate aims to strengthen the Democratic ticket’s appeal to a diverse electorate in the upcoming election.