Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign reported that it raised $36 million in the 24 hours after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) was added to the ticket.
Campaign officials called it “one of our best fundraising days of the cycle and a reflection of enthusiasm among Democrats about the vice president’s choice of Walz as her running mate.”
Walz is a former teacher and football, which Harris hopes appeals to voters throughout America – especially in the Midwest.
“Coach Walz and I may hail from different corners of this great country. But our values are the same,” Harris said during a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Tim has continued to fight for working families. He secured paid leave for workers in Minnesota. And he refused as governor, to allow any student in their public schools to go hungry, so he made school breakfast and lunch free for every child.”
Walz used his first national platform energize supporters and lace into Donald Trump.
“We need you, each and every one of you,” Walz said.
“You came here tonight to sit at the very top [in the stands] because you love this country, and you’re not going back.”
Walz then went on the offensive, and his remarks received thunderous applause.
“Trump weakens our economy to strengthen his own hand. He mocks our laws. He sows chaos and division, and that’s to say nothing of his record as president. He froze in the face of the Covid crisis,” Walz said.
“He drove our economy into the ground. And make no mistake, violent crime was up under Donald Trump — that’s not even counting the crimes that he committed.”
Walz provides the ticket with a diverse and extensive background. His career spans over two decades in the Army National Guard, including deployment overseas after the 9/11 attacks and a dedicated period as an educator and coach. His political journey began with a surprising victory over a six-term Republican incumbent in 2006, during a Democratic wave year. Walz maintained his seat in a typically red district until he ran for governor in 2018, after which the seat reverted to GOP control.
During his tenure as governor, Walz has faced significant challenges and navigated a series of political and social upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, which sparked global anti-racist protests. Despite criticisms and complaints, Walz’s leadership led to a Democratic trifecta in Minnesota by early 2023.
As governor, Walz’s accomplishments include ensuring tuition-free meals at state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy, and protecting gender-affirming healthcare. Recently, he defended those measures against right-wing criticism, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare and education.
In May, Walz expanded voting rights in Minnesota for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents.