PHILADELPHIA — After weeks of speculation and deliberation, Vice President Kamala Harris has selected her running mate, introducing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in front of a packed arena.
The first stop in Vice President Harris’s presidential campaign brought her to Philadelphia, a Democratic stronghold in a key swing state in the upcoming election.
“Now, welcome the next Vice President of the United States, Tim Walz," Harris said as the crowd erupted in applause.
Walz was selected over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who was also being considered by the campaign.
Making an appearance moments before Harris and Walz took the stage, Shapiro didn’t appear to be harboring hard feelings.
“I am going to continue to pour my heart and soul into serving you as governor,” he said.
Walz was the more progressive of the two choices but has a longer career in politics.
"I couldn’t be prouder to be on this ticket, and to help make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States," Walz said.
The former six-term Minnesota congressman was elected governor in 2018.
Once a high school teacher and football coach, he touted his Minnesota values.
"These same values I learned on the family farm and tried to instill in my students, I took to Congress and the state capital, and now, Vice President Harris and I are running to take them to the White House," he said.
Vice President Harris told the crowd she plans to reach out to red states and blue states during her campaign. Harris and her new running mate have stops planned in five swing states over the next seven days.