Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, aiming to appeal to rural, white voters. Harris announced the choice via text, praising Walz's leadership and track record in Minnesota. Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran and former teacher, expressed his enthusiasm on social media.

Walz served 12 years in the U.S. House before becoming governor in 2018. As governor, he has promoted progressive policies, including free school meals, climate goals, middle-class tax cuts, and expanded paid leave. He has also supported women's reproductive rights and defended agricultural interests and gun rights during his time in Congress.

Harris's selection of Walz, a popular Midwestern politician, is seen as a strategic move to win over key battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Walz's tenure as governor was marked by the George Floyd incident in 2020, during which he supported the prosecution of the involved officer. His handling of the incident was praised by civil rights leaders.

The Trump campaign has criticized Walz as a leftist and targeted his handling of riots in Minneapolis following Floyd's death. In response, Walz has labeled Trump and his running mate JD Vance as "weird," criticizing their claims of middle-class credentials.

Walz's combination of military experience, educational background, and centrist policies has helped him connect with rural voters. His profile has risen since the Harris campaign, and his selection aims to bolster Harris's appeal among young and rural voters.