WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election. The announcement was made earlier today.
Walz, who has served as the 41st governor of Minnesota since January 7, 2019, is a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, Walz grew up in a rural setting and later joined the Army National Guard, where he served for 24 years before retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in 2005.
Educated at Chadron State College and Minnesota State University, Mankato, Walz transitioned from a career in teaching and coaching to politics. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, representing Minnesota’s 1st congressional district, where he focused on veterans’ issues and rural development.
In 2018, Walz was elected governor of Minnesota and was re-elected in 2022. His tenure has been noted for efforts to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure within the state.
Harris’s choice of Walz as her vice-presidential candidate underscores his experience and broad appeal. His background as an educator, military veteran, and seasoned politician positions him as a key asset in the upcoming election, where he will be vying against former President Donald Trump and JD Vance.