It has been reported that Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate, opting for a former high school teacher and Midwestern Democrat to complete a newly assembled presidential ticket.
Governor Tim Walz, with his Midwestern roots and passionate oratory, had been considered a leading contender for the vice presidential nomination. The former educator and congressional representative has been a strong advocate for reproductive rights. Following the Dobbs decision, he signed legislation enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution and establishing Minnesota as a sanctuary for those seeking care from more restrictive states.
In March 2023, Walz issued an executive order safeguarding Minnesotans’ access to gender-affirming care and positioning the state as a refuge for transgender individuals facing limitations elsewhere.
Addressing healthcare costs, Walz’s administration implemented drug price transparency measures and supported legislation capping insulin prices for emergency situations. Recently, Minnesota reached an agreement with Eli Lilly to cap all their insulin prices statewide for at least five years.
Walz also signed into law a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) for Minnesota, joining a small group of states that have implemented this controversial legislation. The PDAB creates an independent unit of state government to institute cost controls on prescription drugs. However, PDABs in other states have proven costly to establish and operate, with limited evidence of patient cost savings. Pharmacists, patient organizations, and community groups have expressed concerns about PDABs potentially creating barriers to access, particularly for underserved and rural communities. Walz’s support for measures like the PDAB aligns with policy priorities of more progressive lawmakers in Washington D.C. and across the country.
However, Walz has faced opposition and legal challenges from Republicans regarding his use of emergency powers during the Covid-19 pandemic, including mask mandates and vaccine requirements for state employees.
The governor’s national prominence has increased since becoming chair of the Democratic Governors Association last year. His straightforward Midwestern style was evident during a recent “White Dudes for Harris” call, where he spoke about the potential impact of the next hundred days and the significance of a Black woman’s success in the political arena.
The selection of Governor Walz as Vice President Harris’s running mate reflects a strategic decision to balance the ticket with a Midwestern voice and appeal to rural and suburban voters. Walz’s background in education, his legislative experience, and his record on healthcare and social issues align with key Democratic priorities. However, his more progressive stances on certain policies and his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic may become points of contention in the upcoming campaign. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how this newly formed ticket will resonate with voters across the political spectrum and address the complex challenges facing the nation.