Kamala Harris clinched the Democratic nomination for president, making history as the first black woman to get the candidacy of a major party. With a resounding 99% of the votes of the 4.567 delegates, Harris triumphed in a five-day virtual vote, organized in advance of the Chicago convention to avoid legal hassles with ballots in Ohio.
But the news doesn't stop there: the candidate vice-president choice from Harris is Tim Walz, governor of the Minnesota. Kamala Harris had also considered Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, and Mark Kelly, governor of Arizona, for the role of vice president. Shapiro was seen as a candidate who could attract moderate voters thanks to his positions on civil rights, while Kelly would bring a bipartisan profile and national experience. However, the progressive wing's concerns about Shapiro pushed Harris to choose Walz.
Who is Tim Walz and why was he chosen by Kamala Harris
Tim Walz, 60, is the governor of Minnesota and a politician with a varied career. A former history teacher and National Guard veteran, Walz also worked as a football coach. His political career began with his election to the House of Representatives in 2006, where he represented a rural, conservative district in Minnesota for 12 years, before being elected governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Although Walz has gained recognition at the state for his policies progressive, such as legalizing marijuana and protecting abortion rights, his national visibility is limited compared to other potential candidates. Harris' choice of Walz reflects a strategy aimed at balancing the presidential ticket: his consolidated political experience and ability to attract moderate and conservative voters could be crucial to broaden the electoral base and win key states.
Additionally, Walz has captured national attention with his direct and often provocative statements. His comment “they are really strange" about the Trump-Vance couple has become a touchstone in Harris' campaign. The governor of Minnesota also actively participated in the support group “White Dudes for Harris”, together with the actor Jeff Bridges, contributing significantly to the fundraising for the campaign.
Now, Walz faces the challenge of presenting himself to the general public ahead of November's elections. With approx three months left before the vote, the governor will have to demonstrate his ability to attract voters in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Harris and Walz will begin theirs election tour Tuesday a Philadelphia, with subsequent stops in crucial states such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada, with the aim of consolidating their support and preparing for the November vote.
