Vice President Kamala Harris, Democratic Presidential nominee, has chosen Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. The former teacher, congressman, and Army National Guard veteran will join the Democratic ticket to challenge Donald Trump.
Harris and Walz will hold their first rally together in Philadelphia and then visit other battleground states this week.
Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, is countering the Democratic ticket by holding events in the same cities and states.
Vance is campaigning in Philadelphia just hours before Harris and Walz’s rally. The Trump campaign criticized Walz’s record and started fundraising off the selection.
Tim Walz served 24 years in the military, retiring from the Army National Guard as a Master Sergeant. Although he obtained the rank of command Sergeant Major, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 2005 due to not completing the coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Walz served in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, working as a Cannon Crew Member and Field Artillery Senior Sergeant.
Walz is being criticized on his handling of civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Ohio Sen.
JD Vance accused Walz of allowing rioters to burn down Minneapolis. Trump claimed he deployed the Minnesota National Guard over state leaders’ objections, but a fact-check confirmed that Walz activated the Guard before Trump’s public threats. Walz Press Secretary stated that the governor activated the Guard at the mayors’ request and before speaking to the White House.
The Harris-Walz campaign released a video highlighting Walz’s military service and teaching career. In it, Walz speaks about joining the Army National Guard at 17, using his GI benefits for college, and teaching for 20 years.
The campaign contrasts Walz’s rural roots with his GOP counterpart, JD Vance.
Former President Bill Clinton and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Walz, calling him a “terrific choice” and a consistent champion for American issues.
Harris and Walz will appear together at their first rally in Philadelphia before heading to other battleground states this week.
