Kamala Harris Chooses Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as 2024 Running Mate

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election after replacing President Biden as the Democratic Party’s candidate, sources revealed on Tuesday.

Harris is expected to announce her decision to supporters before making her first joint appearance with Walz at a campaign event in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, according to four individuals close to the process who spoke with CNN.

Members of Harris’ team were sent to the Minnesota governor’s mansion to congratulate Walz and accompany him to Philadelphia for the rally, the outlet reported.

During the final days of the vetting process, Harris grew increasingly comfortable with Walz and was particularly impressed by his “happy-go-lucky” attitude, sources told CNN.

By selecting Walz, Harris aims to strengthen the Democratic ticket’s appeal in the Midwest. Walz’s background includes 24 years in the Army National Guard and a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a largely rural district in southern Minnesota, before his successful gubernatorial run in 2018.

Walz is expected to bring a more centrist image to the 2024 Democratic ticket. He won his gubernatorial election significantly, securing more votes and counties than Hillary Clinton did in Minnesota during the 2016 presidential election.

His first executive action as governor was to launch a statewide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commission, which he renewed after re-election in 2022.

However, Walz has faced criticism from both sides. In 2020, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey criticized him for being slow to deploy the National Guard during the riots following George Floyd’s death, which resulted in $500 million in property damages and looting.

Conservative critics have also targeted his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a $5 million expenditure on a refrigerated warehouse for a potential morgue that remained unused and a $250 million scheme that defrauded the federal government of COVID stimulus dollars.

As part of Harris’ campaign, Walz has been a loyal supporter, criticizing Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance as out of touch with middle America and too socially conservative.

Harris had to make a quick decision for her running mate after the Democratic National Committee enforced a virtual roll call vote to appoint both the presidential and vice presidential nominees in early August. Vetting materials were reportedly sent out just days after Biden suspended his presidential campaign last month.

In the days leading up to the announcement, Harris considered a trio of finalists: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Walz. Others initially on her list included North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also considered.

While all potential candidates supported Harris, Whitmer was the first to decline publicly, stating her commitment to her current role in Michigan. On Sunday, Kelly added to the confusion by posting—and quickly deleted—a message on X (formerly Twitter) emphasizing his focus on serving Arizonans, suggesting he was not the V.P. pick.

The Democratic Party largely unified behind Harris after she accepted Biden’s endorsement. Other strong supporters, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, were ruled out due to state residency conflicts with Harris.

A vice presidential candidate from a swing state is expected to boost Harris’ campaign against former President Donald Trump. Harris is banking on more robust support from minority voters than Trump and will continue to focus on battleground states Biden aimed to secure.

Harris was the only candidate qualified for the virtual roll call electronic ballot, receiving more than 300 delegates.

Following the announcement in Philadelphia, Harris and Walz plan to spend the next few days touring critical battleground states, shadowed by Trump’s vice presidential pick, JD Vance. Harris’ running mate may face Vance in a debate, though the dates and logistics are yet to be determined.