Who Is Tim Walz, Kamala Harris's VP Pick For US Presidential Election 2024?

US Presidential Election 2024: Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming US presidential election, highlighting the promises he has "delivered for working families". The development came just hours after Harris officially became the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

"Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president," Kamala said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), asserting a victory in the November 5 election.

I am proud to announce that I've asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate.

As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his.

It's great to have him on the team.

Now let’s get to work. Join us:https://t.co/W4AE2WlMTj

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 6, 2024

WHO IS TIM WALZ?

Tim Walz, 60, is the current governor of Minnesota. He has previously served as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army National Guard. Walz is also a former teacher. He was elected a member of the US House of Representatives from a Republican-leaning district in 2006 and served 12 years before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Walz has a Bachelor's degree in social science and a Master's in educational leadership. During his 24 years of National Guard service, he specialised in heavy artillery and retired as the highest-ranking enlisted National Guard soldier in southern Minnesota.

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As governor, Walz has pushed a series of progressive measures that include free school meals, goals for tackling climate change, tax cuts for the middle class and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers.

He has long backed women's reproductive rights but also displayed a conservative bent while representing a rural district in the US House, defending agricultural interests and gun rights.

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Sources cited by news agency Reuters believe Walz's appeal could help Harris win over rural, white voters in the November 5 election, for which the serving vice president is up against Republican nominee Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies)