Democrats quickly embraced the new Democratic ticket on Tuesday after Vice President Kamala Harris named Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, even as Republicans raced to brand the pair as beholden to the most progressive forces in their party.
In the span of roughly two weeks, Mr. Walz, a folksy former football coach, went from a little-known Midwestern governor to an overnight Democratic star. His rise was fueled by his eye-catching attacks on former President Donald J. Trump, including declarations that Republicans were pushing “weird” ideas.
In a post on Instagram announcing her selection, Ms. Harris emphasized his record.
“One of the things that stood out to me about Tim is how his convictions on fighting for middle class families run deep,” Ms. Harris wrote in the post.
But Republicans see openings to cast that record as overly liberal, especially on issues around public safety.
Mr. Walz will make his debut with Ms. Harris at a rally later today in Philadelphia.
Here’s what else to know:
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Walz on the issues: Mr. Walz has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people. He has also championed climate issues as governor, and faced criticism for his response to the George Floyd protests — and on this issue in particular, Republicans see an opening. See where he stands on the issues, learn more about his background and 19 other facts about him.
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Officially the nominee: Ms. Harris secured her party’s nomination for president on Monday, earning the support of 99 percent of the 4,567 delegates who cast ballots, the Democratic National Committee said late Monday. In an unusual move, the roll call was held virtually over five days, instead of in person at the party’s convention.
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Closely watched primaries: Democratic and Republican primaries will take place in some high-profile races today — including for a Senate race in Michigan, governor’s races in Washington and Missouri, and the Democratic primary for the seat of Representative Cori Bush of Missouri, who faces a challenger supported by spending from powerful pro-Israel groups.
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The race tightens: Ms. Harris’s standing in the polls against former President Donald J. Trump, her Republican rival, has improved since her campaign officially began. The two candidates are in a close race in both national polls and in the battleground states.
