Vice President Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming November election against Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the decision.
Walz was initially considered a dark horse candidate, with speculation initially favoring Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. However, Walz’s profile rose significantly after a viral cable news interview in which he criticized some Republicans, a stance later adopted by national Democrats.
Walz is viewed as a safer choice due to his strong liberal credentials and fewer controversies compared to other potential candidates. Shapiro faced scrutiny over his response to pro-Palestinian protests following the Israel-Hamas conflict, while both he and Kelly encountered criticism from union leaders.
Walz’s Midwestern background also adds strategic value, as Trump has been focusing on flipping Minnesota. Although Biden won the state by 7 points in 2020, and no Republican has won there in over 50 years, Trump and his running mate JD Vance have intensified their campaign efforts in the region.
