Democrats presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate ahead of the US presidential election on Tuesday.
According to sources, it was a tough choice as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was also on the final list of the VP candidates. However it was most likely that she would pick a white guy to balance the ticket.
A former educator, Walz is currently in his second term as Minnesota governor. He chairs the Democratic Governors Association.
Harris and Walz will be battling head-on against former US President Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance.
Reportedly, Harris grew increasingly comfortable with Walz towards the final days of the selection process. He has delivered a handful of memorable haymakers against Republicans. Recently, Waltz had referred to both Trump and Vance as "weird dudes", which became viral in social media with many Democrats activists taking it up.
Who is Tim Walz?
Walz, 60, is an Army National Guard veteran and former teacher. He was elected from a Republican-leaning district to the US House of Representatives in 2006 and served 12 years before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018.
As governor Walz has pushed a progressive agenda that includes free school meals, goals for tackling climate change, tax cuts for the middle class and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers.
He has long advocated for women's reproductive rights.
Considering the importance of the swing states, Harris choosing a popular Midwestern politician seems to be favouring crucial battlegrounds-- Wisconsin and Michigan. Walz is widely seen as skilled at connecting with white and rural voters.
However, Harris choosing Walz over Shapiro is viewed as a relief for Republicans. Shapiro is a popular figure and has a track record of winning big in Pennsylvania, a crucial state for Democrats.
It is also said that Walz, being a popular member of Congress, had the backing of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
After President Joe Biden's exit, Harris, 59, has revived the Democratic Party's hopes of winning the November election.
