Kamala Harris Appoints Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as VP Running mate: Tested and Has an Extraordinary Track Record

JAKARTA - Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, to fight Republicans Donald Trump and JD Vance in the upcoming US presidential election in November.

Incumbent US Vice President Harris announced her choice in a text message to her supporters. Walz is a champion of progressive policies and a spokesman from the heartland of America to help win the hearts of rural white voters.

"I am pleased to share that I have made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate," she said, as reported by Reuters on August 6.

"Tim is a battle-tested leader with an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring the same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of vice president," Harris explained.

Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran and former teacher, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in 2006 and served for 12 years before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018.

As governor, Walz has pushed a progressive agenda that includes free school meals, goals to address climate change, tax cuts for the middle class, and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers.

She has long advocated for women's reproductive rights but has also shown conservative tendencies as a rural House representative, defending agricultural interests and supporting gun rights.

Walz, along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, has previously been mentioned as a strong candidate for Harris' vice presidential pick.