Tim Walz may not be the most recognized name in US politics.
But starting Tuesday, the Minnesota governor will be a prominent figure in the presidential campaign as Vice President Kamala Harris’ Democratic running mate.
Harris, who secured her party’s nomination for the Nov. 5 election, selected Walz as her pick for vice president, saying she was “proud” of her choice.
“As a governor, coach, teacher and veteran, he serves hard-working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team,” Harris posted on X.
Walz said it was the “honor of a lifetime” to be Harris’ vice-presidential pick.
“I’m in. This reminds me a little of the first day of school. So let’s do this, guys!” he posted on X.
If Harris defeats Republican candidate Donald Trump in the November election, Walz will be one step closer to the US presidency.
Although vice presidents’ official duties are limited, they serve as potential heirs and partners in the White House administration. As running mates, they are the campaign’s main surrogates.
So who is Walz and what is his position on the issues driving the US elections?
Walz, 60, has executive and legislative experience.
He was first elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and won a second term four years later. Despite the state not being a traditional Democratic stronghold, Walz won both races easily.
Prior to his term as governor, Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, representing a predominantly rural district in southern Minnesota.
Walz is also a US military veteran, having served in the Army National Guard for 24 years after joining it at age 17. Before running for Congress, he worked as a teacher.
In politics, the governor was praised by some progressives for being able to promote left-wing priorities in a swing state.
Over the past six years, Walz has approved programs that would cover college tuition for low-income students, implemented free breakfast and lunch in public schools, legalized recreational marijuana for adults and expanded protections for workers.
Walz is also seen as a strong supporter of abortion rights. Additionally, he has supported many climate initiatives, including a bill to transition Minnesota to carbon-free electricity by 2040.
While Republicans will likely argue that Walz’s record is too liberal, the governor has not shied away from defending his policies.
Asked about being labeled a “big government liberal,” Walz told CNN last month: “What a monster! Children are eating and getting their bellies full so they can learn, and women are making their own health decisions, and we are one of the top five business states and we are also in the top three for happiness.”
“If that’s where they want to label me, I’m more than happy to accept the label,” he added.
Jennifer Victor, a political science professor at George Mason University, told Al Jazeera that Walz is an “interesting choice,” noting that many Americans may not have heard of him before Tuesday.
Victor said Walz has a relatable “Midwestern vibe.” “It seems like perhaps Harris chose him for these positive attributes that she thinks might make the ticket more attractive to undecided voters,” she said.
She highlighted Walz’s criticism of Republicans as “odd” rather than a deadly threat to democracy.
“This wasn’t a framing line we’ve seen Democrats use successfully against Republicans in the past, and Walz presented it in a more personal, softer way that I think resonated with more people,” she said.
Beyond domestic politics, the US approach to the war in Gaza and rising tensions in the Middle East is proving to be a prominent issue in this election cycle.
Although governors do not dictate foreign policy, Walz expressed support for Israel and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in solidarity with the U.S. ally following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.
While serving in Congress, Walz also took pro-Israel positions.
“Israel is our truest and closest ally in the region, with a commitment to the values of freedoms and personal freedoms, surrounded by a rather difficult neighborhood,” he said in 2010.
But in March, after nearly 19 percent of Democratic voters in Minnesota voted “non-committal” to protest President Joe Biden’s unconditional support for Israel, Walz suggested he understands the growing frustration with the U.S. approach.
He said that people who voted “uncommitted” have “every right” to be heard.
“These people are asking for a change of direction. They’re asking for more pressure,” Walz told MPR News at the time.
“People are frustrated, but it bodes well for me that they are actively engaged in voting and calling for change,” he said.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
