Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to formally complete the Democratic ticket ahead of the November elections. Following the announcement, Democrats quickly rallied behind the new duo.
Harris' decision ends days of intense talks on who would accompany her in the process as she aims to win the White House. This weekend, she had reportedly met with three finalists— Walz, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly— in her home.
Harris formally announced her decision through a statement posted on social media.
"Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Democratic candidate said. "I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president."
Walz later confirmed he had accepted the position in a social media post, reminiscing on his decades-long career as a high school teacher.
"I'm all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what's possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school," Walz shared in his statement.
A former educator and now two-term Governor, Walz underscores the Harris campaign's focus on a path to victory that puts a premium on the "blue wall" states of the Midwest, according to CNN. He also offers Harris connections to Capitol Hill, a potential appeal to rural voters, a record of progressive policy victories, and well-sharpened media skills.
Following the formal announcement, Democrat leaders, as well as Latino activists were quick to show their support for the ticket.
President Biden, who formally led the Democratic ticket until he dropped out of the race late-July, endorsed Walz. He has been watching the campaign from the sidelines ever since ending his reelection bid.
"The Harris-Walz ticket will be a powerful voice for working people and America's great middle class," Biden wrote in a post on X. "It's time for all Democrats— and indeed all Americans— committed to freedom, democracy, and American leadership in the world to rally behind the Harris-Walz ticket."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was once vocal about supporting Biden and has now backed Harris' campaign, also showed her enthusiasm for the newly completed ticket in social media, saying she thinks the candidate made an "excellent decision" in choosing Walz, directly quoting a video that showed the governor signing a pill that guaranteed free breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students.
"Together they will govern effectively, inclusively, and boldly for the American people," Ocasio-Cortez said on X. "They won't back down under tight odds, either— from healthcare to school lunch."
Similarly, Voto Latino, one of the largest Latino advocacy organizations in the country celebrated the "historic nomination," highlighting the ticket will mark a significant moment for communities of color.
"The Harris-Walz ticket represents a powerful voice for progress, equality, and opportunity for Latino communities and all Americans," Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar said. "I have the privilege to know them both personally, and I can attest that they are the dynamic duo of who the country needs: decent, caring, patriots who put the country first."
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