Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her Democratic running mate in the 2024 presidential election, three people familiar with the matter told NBC News. The two are scheduled to appear together in Philadelphia later Tuesday.
Walz, 60, has been on the vice presidential shortlist for the past two weeks, along with rising Democratic stars Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. A source told NBC News that Harris called the unselected contenders on Tuesday morning.
Shapiro is also scheduled to speak at a Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia.
Although Walz, Minnesota’s two-term governor, is relatively unknown nationally, his profile has quickly risen with the media, and Walz has won over progressives with his affable Midwestern demeanor and political journey. support.
Harris and waltz Will face former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance on the Republican ticket.
Walz was born in the small town of West Point, Nebraska, and joined the Army National Guard after graduating from high school. Butte, Nebraska.
He later spent several decades as a high school teacher, during which time he coached football and served as faculty advisor to the school’s gay alliance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz greets Vice President Kamala Harris upon her arrival at the Minneapolis-St. Louis Airport. St. Paul International Airport in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 14, 2024.
Stephen Matron | AFP | Getty Images
He won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, served six terms, and served as governor of Minnesota in 2018.
Harris became the de facto Democratic nominee two weeks ago after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race after a poor debate performance with Trump in late June.
Since then, Harris’ campaign has been accelerating the timeline for getting Democratic votes on the ballot, including a highly accelerated vetting process for potential running mates.
A source familiar with the meeting told NBC News that Harris narrowed her shortlist over the weekend and that she met with Walz, Shapiro and Kelly in person.
To make the final decision, the vice president is looking for a governing partner with whom she has chemistry and who can work well with her over the next four to eight years, sources familiar with Harris’ process told NBC News.
She wants someone who won’t undermine her leadership, has the potential to expand the Democratic field and can deftly handle Republican attacks.
Walz offers Harris connections to Capitol Hill, potential appeal to rural voters, a record of progressive policy wins and astute media skills.
Harris is expected to release an official statement from Walz in the coming hours.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
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