United States Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming November presidential election.
Harris will compete against Republican former President Donald Trump.
Walz, a 60-year-old governor, emerged as an unexpected choice, surpassing other prominent candidates such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who were initially favored.
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Walz’s profile rose significantly last week, particularly following a viral interview in which he criticized some Republicans as “weird,” a tactic later adopted by national Democrats.
His selection is seen as a strategic move, offering a safer choice for Harris due to his established liberal credentials and the controversies surrounding other contenders.
Shapiro recently faced criticism over his handling of pro-Palestinian protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which also drew backlash from union leaders. Meanwhile, Kelly faced similar issues with labor unions.
Walz’s appeal is further enhanced by his Midwestern roots, as Trump has focused on flipping this region.
Despite President Biden winning Minnesota by seven points in 2020 and no Republican securing the state in over 50 years, Trump and his running mate JD Vance have intensified their campaign efforts there.
