Know Who Is Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Pick For US Vice President

Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming US elections, according to US media reports. They will compete against former President Donald Trump and his vice-pres pick, JD Vance.

Walz's selection brings a governor from the Midwest with military experience and union support to Harris' campaign. His progressive policies in Minnesota include comprehensive abortion rights protections and significant family support measures.

Who is Tim Walz?

Tim Walz, currently serving his second term as Minnesota's governor, previously represented a conservative rural district in Congress. During his tenure, he implemented progressive policies such as paid family leave, universal school meals, recreational marijuana legalisation, abortion rights, and gun control measures.

Walz's straightforward approach strengthens Harris' position in Minnesota and provides an advantage in neighboring Midwestern swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan. His background includes being a high school teacher and a National Guard member.

A Vocal Kamala Supporter

Walz has been an outspoken supporter of Harris, frequently appearing on major news channels. He gained significant attention online when he attended a St. Paul event wearing a grey T-shirt and camouflage hat. In a recent interview, he described GOP candidates as "just weird," a sentiment echoed by other Democrats.

Speaking at a campaign event in Minneapolis to raise funds for Harris, Walz reiterated his earlier statement: "It wasn't a slur to call these guys weird. It was an observation." This comment highlights the perceived differences between Democratic and Republican candidates among Harris' supporters.

In an earlier CNN interview, Walz defended Harris against criticisms from former President Donald Trump. "He's going to roll it out, mispronounce names, you know, to try and make the case," Walz said on CNN. "The fact of the matter is where you see the policies that Vice President Harris was a part of making, Democratic governors across the country executed those policies and quality of life is higher, the economies are better, all of those things, educational attainment is better."

Help in Raising Campaign Funds

As chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Walz may also assist Harris in raising campaign funds. The DGA announced in July that it had raised over $61 million since the beginning of the year-a record-breaking achievement more than double what was raised by this point in 2020.

Walz grew up in rural Nebraska and joined the Army National Guard in 1981 after high school. He first won a congressional seat in 2006 representing southern Minnesota's rural district. During his tenure in Congress, he focused on veterans' issues.

With 24 years of service in the Army National Guard and attaining the rank of command sergeant major-one of the highest enlisted positions-Walz has extensive military experience. Despite strong support among progressives and younger voters, some critics have raised concerns about his age since he is close in age to Harris amid ongoing debates about President Biden's age.

This partnership aims to bolster Harris' campaign by leveraging Walz's experience and appeal across key Midwestern states while addressing critical issues such as economic policies and social reforms.