United States Vice President Kamala Harris has settled for the Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to serve as her running mate in the November presidential race.
CNN and the Associated Press reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources as Harris tries to gain ground on former President Donald Trump with just over three months until the election.
In choosing Walz, Harris is turning to a Midwestern governor, military veteran, and union supporter who helped enact an ambitious Democratic agenda for his state, including sweeping protections for abortion rights and generous aid to families.
Walz who is 60, is a former U.S. Army National Guard member and a former teacher who has raised his profile in recent weeks as an effective advocate for Harris.
He has attacked Trump and Vance as “weird,” a viral insult the Harris campaign has embraced.
As a former member of Congress from a Republican-leaning district, Walz has proven appeal to rural, white voters, though he has also championed progressive policies as governor, such as free school meals and expanded paid worker leave.
While Minnesota is a solidly Democratic state, it is close to Wisconsin and Michigan, two crucial battlegrounds.
