Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Walz as running mate; becomes first woman of color to lead major party ticket

Vice President Kamala Harris, who formally secured the Democratic nomination Monday night, has begun a crucial week with her most critical decision yet: picking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

Walz was seen as a safer choice among others on a reported short list that included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, both of whom had angered some segments of the left for their stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict and unions, The Hill reported.

Vice President Kamala Harris, left, greets Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at Planned Parenthood, Thursday, March. 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Reports indicate Harris has chosen Walz as her running mate in the White House race. Photo credit: Adam Bettcher, The Associated Press
Vice President Kamala Harris, left, greets Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at Planned Parenthood, Thursday, March. 14, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Reports indicate Harris has chosen Walz as her running mate in the White House race. Photo credit: Adam Bettcher, The Associated Press

I

This composite left to right, shows Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who are said to be on Vice President Harris' short list for running mate. Photo credit: The Associated Press
This composite left to right, shows Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who are said to be on Vice President Harris’ short list for running mate. Photo credit: The Associated Press

The development was the latest in a campaign that has moved swiftly since President Biden announced on July 21 that he was removing himself from the White House race and endorsing his vice president.

While Harris had quickly secured enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee, delegates still had to participate in a “virtual roll call” to solidify her nomination.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally, July 30, 2024, in Atlanta. Harris formally secured the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Photo credit: John Bazemore, The Associated Press
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally, July 30, 2024, in Atlanta. Harris formally secured the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Photo credit: John Bazemore, The Associated Press

Harris was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by a deadline last week. She officially claimed the nomination Monday night when the DNC released final results.

Harris’ nomination became official after a five-day round of online balloting by Democratic National Convention delegates ended Monday night, with the party saying in a statement released just before midnight that 99% of delegates casting ballots had done so for Harris. It said it would next formally certify the vote before holding a celebratory roll call at the party’s convention later this month in Chicago.

Harris’ coronation as her party’s standard-bearer caps a tumultuous and frenetic period for Democrats prompted by President Joe Biden’s disastrous June debate performance.

As soon as Biden abruptly ended his candidacy, Harris and her team worked rapidly to secure backing from the 1,976 party delegates needed to clinch the nomination in a formal roll call vote. She reached that marker at warp speed, with an Associated Press survey of delegates nationwide showing she locked down the necessary commitments a mere 32 hours after Biden’s announcement.

Share This article on