US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential race.

“I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Tim Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team,” Harris wrote on X.

Walz’s nomination comes after Harris won enough Democratic convention delegates last week to secure the party’s presidential nomination.

He said it is “the honour of a lifetime” to join Harris on the campaign.

“I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us,” he wrote on X.

US President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the presidential election against former President Donald Trump, endorsing Harris to replace him in a bid by Democrats to keep the White House.

Early life

Walz was born on April 6, 1964 in West Point, Nebraska, and grew up working on his family’s farm in a rural community in the northwestern part of the state. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College, he accepted a teaching position for a year with WorldTeach in China.

Walz took a job teaching and coaching in Alliance, Nebraska, after returning to the US where he met his wife, Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher.

He married in 1994 and moved two years later to Mankato in Minnesota, his wife’s home state, where he worked as a geography teacher and coach at Mankato West High School. His early commitment to education paved the way for a broader understanding of the challenges facing American families and students in today’s society.

Walz’s transition to politics was marked by his service as a member of the National Guard, including a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military experience enriched his perspective on national security and veterans’ affairs.

Political life

In 2006, Walz entered the political arena by winning a seat in the US House of Representatives, representing Minnesota’s First Congressional District. For 12 years, he became known for his pragmatic approach and ability to bridge partisan divides.

Throughout his tenure, Walz prioritised veterans’ rights, health care reform, and renewable energy initiatives, often collaborating with the other side of the aisle to achieve tangible outcomes.

As the governor of Minnesota since 2019, Walz has further solidified his commitment to a progressive agenda. His leadership during the coronavirus pandemic was characterised by a focus on public health, economic recovery, and education, necessitating swift and decisive action.

Walz’s policies during the tumultuous period demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of Minnesotans and showcased his capacity to lead in crises.

2024 elections

Harris’ selection of Walz as her running mate in the presidential race reflects a strategic alignment of values and governance style. The duo wants to resonate with a diverse electorate, focusing on issues such as climate change, health care access, and social justice.

As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, Walz’s extensive legislative record and executive experience are positioned to contribute significantly to the campaign’s narrative, emphasising unity and effective governance.

Walz, 60, brings not only the wisdom of experience but an energetic vision for the future. The elections will serve as a litmus test for the Democratic Party, with the stakes higher than ever amid a polarized political climate.

By choosing a candidate with Walz’s credentials, the Harris campaign seeks to engage voters who are increasingly focused on authentic leadership and practical solutions to pressing national issues.

Walz’s career demonstrates a dedication to service and a belief in the importance of collaboration. His selection by Harris to be her running mate signals a proactive approach to the challenges of the upcoming elections, as both candidates seek to unify the party and energise voters at a critical juncture in American politics.

Stance on Gaza

Known for his progressive stance, Walz is seemingly straddling the line between maintaining a clear pro-Israel position whilst avoiding the ire of the pro-Palestinian camp, according to the Middle East Eye.

While serving in Congress, he cosponsored several pro-Israel measures, including one in favour of renewing a 10-year memorandum to send billions of dollars in US military aid.

However, over the past months, the governor has appeared more open to hearing the demands of protesters demonstrating against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

“Governor Walz has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve as a public leader, uniting Democrats diverse coalition to achieve significant milestones for Minnesota families of all backgrounds,” Elianne Farhat, a senior advisor for the Uncommitted Campaign, said in a statement.

The Uncommitted Campaign is an electoral movement demanding the Democrats call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Based on his voting record and ties to pro-Israel groups, it remains unclear how Walz would address one of the main demands of pro-Palestinian voters: an end to US military aid to Israel and divestment from companies complicit in Israel’s Gaza offensive and occupation of Palestinian land.

Chances against other presidential candidates

Walz’s chances could be influenced by various factors, including voter sentiment, economic conditions, and key issues like health care, climate change, and social justice. The Democratic Party will need to galvanise support, especially among swing voters and demographic groups critical to their success.

Walz has experience as a governor and member of Congress, which provides him with a solid platform to connect with voters. He will, however, face challenges from established figures within the party and potentially from popular Republican candidates. His appeal may resonate particularly well in battleground states, where his record in governance and approach to bipartisanship could attract a broader base.​​​​​​​

As a candidate with primarily state and congressional experience, Walz may face challenges navigating the complexities of a national campaign, which often requires extensive resources and strategic positioning against candidates with broader national appeal.​​​​​​​

Header image: Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, speaks during a campaign rally with US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia on August 6. — Reuters