INDEMS statement on Kamala Harris Announcing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate
On Tuesday, August 6, Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris announced veteran, former public school teacher, former U.S. Representative and current Governor of Minnisota Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential running mate. Last year, Governor Walz served as the keynote speaker of the Indiana Democratic Party’s 2023 Hoosier Hospitality Dinner.
Prior to being elected as governor, Walz served for 24 years in the Army National Guard. First elected to Congress in 2006, he quickly established himself as a dedicated advocate for veterans. He has also become a longtime champion for LGBTQ equality and the right to marry.
Later during his tenure as governor, Walz continuously supported improved healthcare and education access. He condemned the gun violence epidemic in the US, and in 2023 he signed into law a bill that required universal background checks and red flag laws for all prospective gun owners.
“I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Governor Tim Walz to be my running mate. One of the things that stood out to me about Tim is how his convictions on fighting for middle class families run deep. It’s personal. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his own. We are going to build a great partnership. We start out as underdogs but I believe together, we can win this election,” Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris said in a release announcing Walz.
Walz emerged as a frontrunner in the race for the office in the last few weeks by highlighting the differences between the Democratic and Republican tickets through television interviews. The announcement came following a final round of intense interviews this past weekend.
“Here in the Midwest, we’ve seen the impressive work Governor Tim Walz has done to improve lives for hard-working families. With just a one seat majority, he passed universal school lunches for public school students, legalized cannabis, and protected reproductive healthcare,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl.
“Tim comes from rural America, and will prioritize the small towns and cities throughout the industrial Midwest that are often overlooked. He knows it’s time to end the fear and division in our politics and return to a politics of respect for our neighbors and the common good.
“We are so thrilled for our friend and the team that is forming behind Harris-Walz. Governor Walz has dedicated his life to serving others and he will make a fantastic running mate and eventual Vice President for President Kamala Harris.”
