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Kamala Harris names Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her Vice President Running Mate
Kamala Harris (59) chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (60) as her running mate on Tuesday morning.
August 6, 2024, published at 10:55 am ET
Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her 2024 vice presidential running mate, according to sources close to the Harris campaign.
RadarOnline.com can unveil the 59-year-old Harris and the 60-year-old Walz as her running mate on Tuesday morning – although she was not expected to officially announce the decision until a joint meeting in Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon.
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Harris is expected to officially announce her decision Tuesday afternoon at a joint meeting with Walz in Philadelphia.
Illinois Democratic House Speaker Delia Ramirez, 41, praised Harris’ decision to appoint the Minnesota governor as her vice president, saying, “Walz is not only the right choice, he is the perfect choice for all Americans.
“A Midwestern man who grew up in rural America, a veteran who passed historic legislation to protect women and provided free meals to Minnesota students, and a man who understands the working class because he’s from there.”
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Democratic House Representative Annie Kuster, 67, of New Hampshire, agreed, adding: “New Democrats are Harris Dems and we welcome our friend and former House colleague Tim Walz to the ticket!
“Tim is a proud father, a patriotic veteran, and a pragmatic Midwestern leader who served with us as a voice for rural America. We have a united winning message and team. Let’s do this!”
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Walz, the governor of Minnesota, was one of three names on the Harris campaign’s vice presidential shortlist.
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According to CNNHarris – who is expected officially named Democratic presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention later this month — informed Walz of her decision via video call Tuesday morning.
The pair are expected to appear together at their first joint meeting in Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon.
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An insider close to the Minnesota governor claimed that Harris’ “chemistry” with Walz “was very important and they both really clicked.”
The source said: “The time they spent together when Walz was campaigning for re-election in 2022, and when they visited the abortion clinic in March this year, apparently had a big impact.
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Walz speaks last month with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, 65, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, 45, during a visit to the White House.
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“Additionally, the Harris campaign, like all of us, saw how energized Walz was to the grassroots. They saw how popular he is in Minnesota after adopting a historic, progressive agenda here. The inspection at Walz went very well.
“So, as people say, kind of a Goldilocks situation. Every element was right.”
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Harris was named the Democratic Party’s presumptive presidential nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on July 21.
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Walz was one of three politicians said to be on Harris’ vice-presidential shortlist as she searched for a running mate to take on the former president. Donald Trump in November.
Senator from Arizona Mark KellyIt was also rumored that 60-year-old Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, would be in the running for this year’s Democratic ticket sweepstakes – although Governor Walz ultimately won.
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President Biden endorsed his vice president as his replacement nominee, saying, “Today I want to express my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year.”
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President Biden said as he left the race on July 21: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“My very first decision as a party nominee in 2020 was to choose Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it has been the best decision I have made. Today I would like to express my full support and support to Kamala as our party’s nominee this year.
“Democrats – it’s time to come together and defeat Trump. Let’s do this.”
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