(The Center Square) – Hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on social media Tuesday, politicians from the Midwest responded energetically, but with mixed takes.
Michigan’s Democratic Party rallied enthusiastically around Walz, who most analysts did not expect Harris to choose.
“As a son of the Midwest, veteran, and former teacher, Gov. Walz understands that at the end of the day, we all want the same things,” Chairwoman Lavora Barnes said in a statement. “Here in Michigan, we take great pride in supporting Democrats who know how to deliver results for Americans. Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz’s records speak for themselves, and they are more than ready to take on Donald Trump and J.D. Vance this November.”
Michigan Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, previously a potential VP candidate, also congratulated Walz on social media.
“I'm so excited that my friend @Tim_Walz will be the next Vice President of the United States! As a fellow Midwesterner and governor, I know firsthand that his leadership is an important asset to this ticket. He’ll be an excellent partner for @KamalaHarris, and I’ll do everything I can to get them elected this November,” Whitmer pledged.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin applauded the decision to nominate a fellow Midwestern.
“Congratulations to @Tim_Walz for your selection as the Democratic vice presidential nominee! A teacher, veteran, Governor, and, perhaps most importantly, Midwesterner, Governor Walz is a great addition to the ticket.”
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running against Slotkin for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, disagreed, saying Walz’s record as governor proves he will fail Midwestern voters.
“Tim Walz is too radical for Michigan working families. Walz signed legislation to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, oversaw the burning of Minneapolis, and led an explosion of murders (+73%), assaults (+49%), and cart thefts (+55%)," Rogers said.
Michigan Republican Rep. Tim Walberg agreed Walz is too extreme of a Democrat.
“Having served with Tim Walz, he holds many radical left-wing views incompatible with most of America. Make no mistake: the Harris-Walz ticket is officially the most radical ticket in history,” Walberg said in a social media post.
Wisconsin leaders held the same party-line responses, with Democrats focusing on his Midwestern relatability and Republicans blasting his liberal policies.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin said in a statement that Democrats “could not ask for a stronger ticket to lead us to victory in November.”
“Tim Walz is a proven Midwestern leader who fights every day to deliver affordable health care, quality education and economic opportunity for working Minnesota families, and as Kamala Harris’ Vice President, he will fight for all American families,” Chairman Ben Wikler said. Wisconsin Democrats are thrilled to stand with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in our shared fight to build an economy that works for working people, restore and expand reproductive freedom, and safeguard our democracy.”
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released a statement mid-morning, praising Walz’s record as governor.
“Vice President Kamala Harris picked a good one in my colleague and good friend across the river, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. As former educators, Tim and I believe in doing what’s best for kids, leading with kindness, empathy, and respect, and working hard to get good things done for the people we serve. Those are exactly the kind of Midwestern values and qualities that will make Tim a great Vice president.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin also lauded Walz’s record in Congress on her social media.
“I had the honor of serving with @Tim_Walz in Congress. As a veteran, a teacher, and a true public servant he will make a great Vice President,” Baldwin said. “The path to the White House and the Senate majority runs through the Midwest, and I’m glad to see our party focusing on our region!”
Wisconsin Republicans, on the other hand, lambasted Walz’s political reputation, particularly his handling of the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots in his state and his positions on illegal immigration.
“Historically inept, Walz ignored warnings from public officials about the threat of rioting in major cities during the summer of 2020. As Walz dawdled, Minneapolis burned. When asked how he would secure the southern border, Walz took the opportunity to encourage more illegal crossings by suggesting migrants be provided ladders to scale border fencing and barriers,” Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming said. “The Democratic Party and Kamala Harris have cast aside common sense to placate their extremist wing. Americans are tired of failure, but that is all Democrats have left to offer. Come November, Wisconsin Republicans will lead the way in bringing an end to their disastrous chaos by returning President Donald Trump and JD Vance to the White House.”
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