Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as running mate for US presidential election: Report

US Vice-President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, according to CNN.

According to a Reuters report, there were two names doing the rounds for Democratic vice-presidential pick -- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

However, no formal announcement has been made either by Kamala Harris or the Democratic Party about the vice-presidential nominee.

US Elections

Tim Walz has been an outspoken defender of both President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. After Biden disastrous debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump, Walz was vocal in support for the President amid calls to end his reelection bid.

After Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Walz endorsed Kamala Harris the next day and has emerged as a leading driver of Democrats' attacks on Trump.

Tim Walz, before entering politics, was a high school teacher and football coach in Mankato, Minnesota.

Walz also served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.

He was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2006, representing Minnesota's first Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he focused on veterans' affairs, education, and agriculture, earning respect for his bipartisan approach.

In 2018, Walz was elected Governor of Minnesota. His tenure included significant challenges, most notably the Covid-19 pandemic. Walz's response included lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine distribution efforts, which garnered mixed reactions from the public.

Walz, widely seen as skilled at connecting with white, rural voters, could be significant for the Democrats as the same group has voted broadly for the Republican Donald Trump in recent years.