ST. PAUL — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is looking for a new job.
On Tuesday, CNN and the Associated Press reported that Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive nominee for president for the Democratic Party, selected Walz as her running mate for the Nov. 5 ballot.
Harris and Walz will face off against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
According to media reports over the weekend, Harris had narrowed her choices to Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.
Walz, 60, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, and has been Minnesota's 41st governor since 2019.
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Minnesota Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL-Rochester, said the nation as a whole is just now learning what a qualified leader Walz is and can be.
"We in Minnesota know how great Tim Walz is," Boldon said, calling him an "excellent pick."
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She pointed to legislative successes shepherded by Walz such as helping families afford child care, feeding children through school lunch programs, access and affordability of health care, and movement toward Minnesota's climate goals.
"The other thing I will say, in the last several weeks, the country has seen how great he is as a communicator," Boldon said. "He's out there talking to the public about what is at stake in this election."
Boldon said Walz is a great communicator, and over the past few weeks, as he has been featured in national media, people beyond Minnesota are coming to learn what his supporters here have known.
Minnesota Rep. Kim Hicks, DFL-Rochester, said Walz is the reason she got into politics. In 2016, she was having immigration trouble with her children, and she "chased him down" after an event to ask then-Congressman Walz for help, and he put her in touch with the right people immediately. He was so helpful and so relatable, she said, she door-knocked for him during his next campaign and decided that if a "normal guy" like Walz could get into politics, so could she.
"Tim Walz is why I’m in politics," she said.
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As for him being Harris' running mate, Hicks said it'd be good for the nation but she'd miss him in St. Paul.
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"I think he would be an excellent addition to the ticket," Hicks said Monday. "A wonderful pick. And if he isn’t picked, I’m honored that I’ll be able to work with him in the Legislature."
Surging profile
The Harris campaign hopes Walz's extensive National Guard career, coupled with a successful run as a high school football coach, and his Dad joke videos will attract such voters who are not yet dedicated to a second Trump term in the White House.
Harris, 59, has revived the Democratic Party's hopes of an election victory since becoming its candidate after President Joe Biden, 81, ended his failing reelection bid under party pressure on July 21.
Walz was a relative unknown nationally until the Harris "veepstakes" heated up, but his profile has since surged. A popular member of Congress, he reportedly had the backing of powerful former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was instrumental in persuading Biden to leave the race.
Harris and Walz will face Trump and Vance, also a military veteran from the Midwest, in a Nov. 5 election .
Stumping for Harris, sometimes in a camouflage baseball hat and T-shirt, Walz has attacked Trump and Vance as "weird," a catchy insult that has been picked up by the Harris campaign, social media and Democratic activists.
A 'unicorn'
Walz gave the nascent Harris campaign the new attack line in a late July interview: "These are weird people on the other side: They want to take books away. They want to be in your exam room," referring to book bans and women's reproductive consultations with doctors.
Walz has also attacked the claims by Trump and Vance of having middle-class credentials.
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"They keep talking about the middle class. A robber baron real estate guy and a venture capitalist trying to tell us they understand who we are? They don't know who we are," Walz said in an MSNBC interview.
That approach has struck a chord with the young voters Harris needs to reengage. David Hogg, the co-founder of the gun safety group March for Our Lives, described him as a "great communicator."
Walz is "somewhat of a unicorn," said Ryan Dawkins, a political science professor at Minnesota's Carleton College — a man born in a small town in rural Nebraska capable of conveying Harris' message to core Democratic voters, and those that the party has failed to reach in recent years.
Dawkins praised his ability to connect with rural voters. It is a group the Biden administration has tried to reach with infrastructure spending and other pragmatic policies, but with little show of messaging success so far.
In the 2016 election, Trump won 59% of rural voters; in 2020 that number rose to 65% even though Trump lost the election, according to Pew Research.
In the 2022 governor's race, Walz won with 52.27% to his Republican opponent's 44.61%, although swaths of rural Minnesota voted for the opponent.
Not everyone a fan
Not every legislator in Minnesota is rooting for a Harris-Walz ticket. Minnesota Sen. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, said if Democrats want to win the White House again, Harris should pick a moderate from the party.
"They need to pick a moderate for Kamala Harris, who is the most far-left candidate they've put forward ever," Drazkowski said. "Tim Walz is the same."
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Drazkowski said Walz pushes the same "cultural Marxism, full-on government dependency" policies as Harris. For example, he said Walz supported the "defund the police" movement and supported criminals over victims like Harris did after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
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"If she wants to have a viable campaign, it’d be smart to pick someone who isn’t as radical and wild as she is," Drazkowski said.
That said, the Republican said he hopes Walz does make it on the Democratic ticket if for no other reason than the national media would give Walz the type of scrutiny, Drazkowski said, he has yet to face from the media in Minnesota.
"His track record is very far left here in the state, and he's never had to answer for what he’s done to the state and its people," Drazkowski said.
David Hann, the chairman of the GOP in Minnesota, said picking Walz could signal a lack of confidence the Democrats have Minnesota in the bag for the presidential election.
"I’ve talked to a number of Republicans who are interested in voting against him," Hann said of Walz. "He's been the most partisan governor in memory. He campaigned to return the surplus, then he spent it all and raised taxes another $10 billion."
He added that the usually nonpartisan business community in Minnesota has united against Walz.
"He’s been a unifier for Republicans and independents frankly who want to see a strong commitment to public safety and education," Hann said.
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Good for Minnesota
Hann's counterpart with the DFL, Chairman Ken Martin, sees things differently when talking about a two-term governor who has done nothing but win elections in Minnesota.
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“The entire country is about to see why their friends from Minnesota can’t stop bragging about Gov. Walz," Martin said. "By picking a servant leader born and raised in a small town who has dedicated his career to protecting freedoms and lifting up working families, Vice President Harris has chosen the perfect foil for JD Vance and his politics of resentment."
Martin said that Walz has helped build a model for how Democrats in Minnesota and across the nation can win elections and improve people's lives.
"We could not be more excited to help bring the Minnesota magic to this campaign and to put Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the White House,” Martin said
And while Republicans are touting Vance as an everyman icon, Boldon said that's a better description for Walz.
"His background, having been a teacher, a veteran — he served in Congress," she said. "His background make him relatable to people, but will be useful in the role as a vice president."
Reporting from Reuters News Service was used in this story.
1/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz talks to media at a DFL event to energize and organize canvassers in St. Paul on July 27, 2024. Tim Evans for MPR News
2/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, shakes hands with Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj on Thursday afternoon, July 20, 2023. Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
3/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, May 25, 2023, signed into law a bill creating a paid family and medical leave program. Standing to his left is House bill sponsor Rep. Ruth Richardson, DFL-Mendota Heights. Behind him to the right is Senate bill sponsor Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina. Alex Derosier / Forum News Service
4/55:Speaking to a crowd in front of the Minnesota Capitol Wednesday, May 24, Gov. Tim Walz acknowledges DFL lawmakers for moving forward a $72 billion two-year budget. Alex Derosier / Forum News Service
5/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan sit to take vaccine boosters on Sept. 15, 2022, to encourage Minnesotans to get their booster shot before fall weather kicks in. Brian Bakst / MPR News
6/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz smiles as Webster Elementary students greet his arrival before signing a bill providing free school meals in Minneapolis on March 17, 2023. Ben Hovland | MPR News
7/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks on June 1, 2024, during the 2024 DFL State Convention held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. Erica Dischino for MPR News file
8/55:Gov. Tim Walz speaks to union leaders at the annual Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council convention in Duluth on July 20, 2023. Max Nesterak / Minnesota Reformer file photo
9/55:U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, who serves southern Minnesota, speaks at Farmfest in early August 2017. He is a candidate in a crowded 2018 Minnesota Democratic governor race. Don Davis / Forum News Service
10/55:Governor candidate Tim Walz speaks to the June 2018 Minnesota Democratic convention. He was not endorsed then, but came out ahead in Tuesday's primary vote. Don Davis / Forum News Service
11/55:Minnesota Governor-elect Tim Walz announced his latest set of cabinet picks Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, in Hastings, Minn. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
12/55:Gov.-elect Tim Walz named some of the last picks to join his cabinet Friday, Jan. 4, in Minneapolis. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
13/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed reporters at the Capitol Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. He took the oath of office to become the state's 41st governor earlier in the day. DANA FERGUSON / FORUM NEWS SERVICE
14/55:Gubernatorial candidates Tim Walz for the DFL (left) and Jeff Johnson for the Republican Party address a wide range of issues at the first governor's debate Friday, Aug. 17, since their primary victories last Tuesday. The debate took place at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch - Video
15/55:Gov. Tim Walz (left) and Mayor Emily Larson watch a video at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC) Annual Luncheon Celebration at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Wednesday. Clint Austin /caustin@duluthnews.com
16/55:Governor-elect Tim Walz greets long-time Park Point resident Tom Mackay before the start of Monday’s listening session at the DECC. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com
17/55:Governor-elect Tim Walz gestures while talking to the audience at the start of Monday’s listening session at the DECC. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com
18/55:Paul Smith of Mahtowa (left) gives DFL gubernatorial candidate Tim Walz a pat on the shoulder while they talk during the Labor Day picnic in Bayfront Park Monday. Bob King / rking@duluthnews.com
19/55:Gov. Tim Walz (left) and Melissa Hortman, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, react to a pitch from Katelyn France, one of five startup entrepreneurs to explain their concepts and their needs in “Shark Tank” style event at the Natural Resources Research Institute in Hermantown on Wednesday. Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com
20/55:Gov. Tim Walz (left) and Melissa Hortman, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, asks questions of Nathan Lipinski, the CEO of MC-Cubed during a “Shark Tank” style event at the Natural Resources Research Institute on Wednesday. Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com
21/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz bagged a pheasant on opening day of the 2019 season. (Minnesota DNR photo)
22/55:Gov. Tim Walz speaks Friday about the importance of masks following a tour at Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth. Walz only took his mask off to address members of the media. (Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com)
23/55:Former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden poses for a photo with Duluth firefighters and Gov. Tim Walz Friday, Sept. 18 after a small campaign event in Hermantown. (Photo courtesy of the Duluth Fire Department)
24/55:Gov. Tim Walz speaks in Duluth last fall. Walz's executive powers during the peacetime emergency related to COVID-19 have been ripe for debate among state legislators. (Tyler Schank / 2020 file / News Tribune)
25/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gestures while speaking during a press conference in 2019 outside Duluth City Hall. (Clint Austin / File / News Tribune)
26/55:Gov. Tim Walz, right, thanks Anthony Flamio of Farmington, Connecticut, an engine boss with the Connecticut Interstate Fire crew on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in the Superior National Forest near Lake County Highway 2 and the Jackpot Trail OHV trailhead south of Isabella. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
27/55:U.S. Rep. Tim Walz offers up a proposal Wednesday, July 18, 2018, to provide up to $12 billion a year to small communities throughout the country. The proposal came from Walz as a congressman, but it could help him in his run for Minnesota governor. Don Davis / Forum News Service
28/55:U.S. Rep. Tim Walz make a point during a forum at Farmfest, near Redwood Falls, Minn., Aug. 2, 2016. Don Davis / Forum News Service
29/55:Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, announced his plan for spending part of the state's projected $7.75 billion budget surplus during a news conference at Minneapolis Community College. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
30/55:President Biden gestures while greeting Minnesota governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Duluth International Airport. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
31/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday, March 6, 2022, speaks to demonstrators at a rally outside the Minnesota Capitol. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
32/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday, April 24, 2022, delivers his State of the State address to lawmakers and guests in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
33/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday, May 2, 2022, speaks at a news conference at the Capitol before ceremonially signing into law a compromise unemployment insurance and worker pay bill. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
34/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, left, speak with reporters at the Capitol following a news conference on Monday, May 2, 2022. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
35/55:Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Thursday, May 19, 2022, met with parents, health care providers, lawmakers and grocery store leaders to discuss the ongoing shortage of baby formula across the country. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
36/55:Sen. Amy Klobuchar, from left, Gov. Tim Walz and commanding officer Commander Alfonza Octtavais White stand at attention during commissioning ceremonies for the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Port of Duluth. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
37/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, presents his Council on Economic Expansion's roadmap for growing the state's economy over the next decade. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
38/55:Gov. Tim Walz is greeted by U.S. Steel officials as he arrives for a celebration marking the construction of a $150 million direct-reduced-grade pellet plant on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the U. S. Steel Keetac iron ore mining and pellet processing facility in Keewatin. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
39/55:Mike Bakk, right, with U.S. Steel shows Gov. Tim Walz samples of the new pellet during a celebration marking the construction $150 million direct-reduced-grade pellet plant on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the U. S. Steel Keetac iron ore mining and pellet processing facility in Keewatin. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
40/55:Gov. Tim Walz, center, talks to members of the United Steelworkers after attending a celebration marking the construction $150 million direct-reduced-grade pellet plant on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the U. S. Steel Keetac iron ore mining and pellet processing facility in Keewatin. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
41/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz holds up signed legislation removing the immigration status proof requirement from state driver's license applications. The bill he signed into law Tuesday, March 7, 2023, goes into effect Oct. 1. Alex Derosier / Forum News Service
42/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan talk with agency commissioners Thursday, March 16, 2023, following a news conference announcing new public safety spending requests in the Walz administration's updated budget proposal. Alex Derosier / Forum News Service
43/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz shares a laugh with kids as he reads "Pete the Cat" at YWCA Early Childhood Center-Spirit Valley in Duluth on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
44/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz fist-bumps kids at YWCA Early Childhood Center-Spirit Valley in Duluth after reading a book to them Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
45/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during President Joe Biden's visit to Cummins Inc. in Fridley, Minn., as part of his administration’s "Investing in America" tour Monday, April 3, 2023. Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
46/55:Gov. Tim Walz greets attendees during President Joe Biden's visit to Cummins Inc. in Fridley as part of his Administration’s Investing in America tour on Monday, April 3, 2023. Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
47/55:Gov. Tim Walz listens to Duluth Mayor Emily Larson as she explains how the city is replacing lead water supply pipes on the 1100 block of East Eighth Street on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
48/55:Gov. Tim Walz talks to the media at a job site where lead water supply pipes are being replaced on the 1100 block of East Eighth Street on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Duluth. Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
49/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, from left, President Joe Biden and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers walk to a limousine after Biden arrived on Air Force One on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Duluth International Airport. Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group
50/55:Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, showed off his family's new puppy at the governor's residence. Dana Ferguson / Forum News Service
51/55:State and local officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, third from left, take part in a groundbreaking event for the U.S. Highway 14 expansion project between Dodge Center and Owatonna Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, near Claremont. The project will begin by expanding more than 12 miles of highway from two lanes to four lanes. (Joe Ahlquist / jahlquist@postbulletin.com)
52/55:Gov. Tim Walz and Dave Burritt shake hands after cutting the ribbon on U.S. Steel's new Keetac DR-grade pellet plant Thursday, May 23, 2024. Wyatt Buckner / Duluth Media Group
53/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a visit by President Joe Biden at Earth Rider Brewing in Superior in Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Dan Williamson / Duluth Media Group
54/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, talks with Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa after the governor’s ride-along with a Duluth police officer Thursday afternoon, July 20, 2023. Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram
55/55:Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz holds up a bill legalizing recreational marijuana just after signing it into law Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Former Gov. Jesse Ventura, a longtime advocate of legalization, stands behind Walz. Senate bill sponsor Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, stands to Walz's right. Alex Derosier / Forum News Service
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