By Sabiu Abdullahi
Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate for the upcoming November election, according to sources close to the matter.
Walz, 60, emerged as a surprising choice for the vice-presidential spot, gaining traction following a recent cable news interview where he described some Republicans as “weird.”
This characterization was subsequently adopted by national Democrats, The Hill reports.
Walz’s selection comes after speculation initially centered on other high-profile Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D).
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to appeal to the left, given his strong liberal credentials.
Other potential candidates, such as Shapiro and Kelly, had faced criticism from progressive groups—Shapiro for his management of pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both for their positions on union issues.
Walz’s Midwestern background is also considered a key factor, particularly as Trump has been intensifying his campaign efforts in Minnesota, a state Biden won by 7 points in 2020.
With Trump and JD Vance increasing their efforts to flip the state, Walz’s presence on the ticket could strengthen support in this crucial region.
Harris is expected to make the formal announcement about her vice-presidential running mate today (Tuesday), ahead of a week of joint campaigning in key battleground states.