Kamala Harris Picks Midwest Governor as Running Mate

Vice President Kamala Harris has picked her running mate and it taking the stage to introduce her choice at a rally in Philadelphia tonight.

Reports indicate she has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a retired schoolteacher and six-term former congressman. 

The 60-year-old brings a military background to the ticket, serving with the National Guard for 24 years. A Nebraska native, he's often seen wearing an Army jacket and T-shirt, which Democrats hope will speak directly to working-class, rural American voters.

Walz will also appeal to the party's progressive wing who support Harris' national push for abortion "rights". The Minnesota governor recently helped pass a measure ensuring the state's abortion approval remains in place regardless of who sits on future courts.

Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance was also in Philadelphia today. He gave his reaction to his likely competition. 

"Tim Walz's record is a joke. He's been one of the most far-left radicals in the entire United States at any level, but I think that what Tim Walz's selection says is that Kamala Harris has bent the knee to the far left of her party which is what she always does," Vance said.

Minnesota Democratic strategist Abu Amara says Walz is a good pick for Harris as the party tries to win battleground states in the upper Midwest. “He has the ability to connect with rural, suburban, and urban voters,” he said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump quickly sent a fundraising email calling Walz “Dangerously Liberal.” 

Other top contenders on Harris's list included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelley. Some Democrats had opposed Shapiro due to his support for Israel and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools.

After tonight's official introduction, Harris and Walz will head out on a tour of swing states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

Meanwhile, in the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 race after winning his party's primaries, Harris officially became the Democratic nominee Monday night. 

The DNC announced the results of an unconventional online vote by delegates. Harris was the only candidate left who was eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by a deadline last week.