US Election: Kamala Harris picks running mate

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming November election.

According to The Hill, Walz aged 60 was initially considered an unexpected choice amidst speculation around other prominent figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

However, his prominence increased recently, particularly following a widely-viewed cable news interview where he criticized some Republicans, a stance that resonated with national Democrats.

Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move, leveraging his liberal credentials and a relatively controversy-free profile compared to other potential candidates.

Shapiro faced backlash over his handling of pro-Palestinian protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both Shapiro and Kelly were criticized by union leaders.

Furthermore, Walz’s Midwestern roots add to his appeal, as Trump has been focusing on gaining support in Minnesota.

Although Biden secured Minnesota by a 7-point margin in 2020 and Republicans have not  won the state in a presidential election for over 50 years, Trump and his running mate JD Vance are intensifying their campaign efforts there.