The choice comes weeks before the Democratic National Convention and just ahead of a virtual roll call vote where Harris is expected to become the party’s official nominee. Harris will appear in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her VP pick, Walz, later today.
Walz, a former educator from a blue state, is seen as having appeal with Midwest voters and effectively shifted Democrats’ messaging about Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, to that of how “weird” they are. He’s cited paid family and medical leave as top issues for a Harris administration.
Several candidates were rumored to be on the short list for Harris’ consideration based on factors that could expand the Democratic ticket’s appeal to swing voters, particularly in battleground states. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) were seen as potential choices from battleground states, though that brought fears that should Harris get elected, it may be harder to win those seats again in the absence of a popular incumbent. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear was also said to be in the mix, as a Democrat who’s been able to secure a top seat in a deep red state. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was also a popular name in Democratic circles, but she said she was not “part of the vetting” for the role.
Update, August 6th: Added confirmation of earlier reports that Harris has selected Walz as a running mate.
