Tim Walz gains popularity with progressive attacks on Trump, emerges as potential running mate for Kamala Harris
A former teacher and member of the US Army National Guard, Tim Walz has gained popularity for criticizing Donald Trump and JD Vance as “weird” – a remark that the Harris campaign has embraced.
Could they consider endorsing the governor of Minnesota and placing him on the presidential ticket?
While Mr. Walz may not have the same level of recognition as other vice presidential contenders, he has a strong appeal to rural, white voters and has championed progressive policies such as free school meals and expanded paid worker leave.
He notably signed the “Taylor Swift” bill into law, a response to a legislator’s frustration over ticket purchasing for Swift’s concert. This law requires ticket sellers to disclose all fees upfront and limits resellers from selling more than one ticket for live events in Minnesota.
Despite Minnesota being a traditionally Democratic state, its proximity to critical battlegrounds like Wisconsin and Michigan makes Mr. Walz a potentially strategic choice for the presidential ticket. While Minnesota supported Biden/Harris comfortably in 2020, Wisconsin was won by a slim margin of 0.63%.
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Tim Walz beams while holding up the so-called Taylor Swift bill he signed into law. Pic: AP
At 60 years old, Mr. Walz hails from small-town Nebraska. Despite his Ivy League education, he graduated from state schools in Minnesota and Nebraska.
His career path led him to teach in China, Nebraska, and eventually Minnesota, where he taught geography, coached the high school football team, and served in the Army National Guard for 24 years. This down-to-earth approach has helped him connect with everyday Americans.
Former senator Heidi Heitkamp described him as “someone with a lived experience that is so comparable to so many of the people in rural America.”
Mr. Walz has been a long-time advocate for LGBT rights, even serving as the faculty advisor for his school’s first gay-straight alliance in 1999, before widespread support for gay rights from the Democratic party.
His political journey began in 2006 when he ran in a Republican-leaning congressional district, defeating the incumbent and retaining the district for a decade. He successfully ran for governor in 2018 and defended his seat in 2022.
Mr. Walz co-chairs the rules committee for the Democratic National Convention and has shown unwavering support for President Biden despite his challenging debate performance in June.
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Pic: AP
Mr. Walz is known for having the “most progressive record” amongst the potential VP candidates for Ms. Harris.
His achievements include providing tuition-free meals at state universities, protecting abortion rights in state law, banning conversion therapy, and safeguarding gender-affirming healthcare.
Walz, pictured in 2010. Pic: AP
When asked about his achievements on TV, he responded: “What a monster! Kids are fed and ready to learn. Women have the right to make their own healthcare choices. We are a top five business state and rank in the top three for happiness.”
