Tom Emmer to play Tim Walz in JD Vance debate prep

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) will be playing his home state governor Tim Walz during Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance ’s debate preparation, a Vance spokesperson told POLITICO.

Emmer is the House majority whip, the third highest ranking Republican in the House. He was previously the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. The New York Times first reported that Emmer will be standing in as Walz.

Emmer, who was elected in 2014, overlapped with Walz in Congress for two terms before Walz became governor. The two Minnesotans are also about the same age: Emmer is 63, while Walz is 60. Similarly, Emmer used to be a hockey player and coach, while Walz has highlighted his past as a high school football coach along the campaign trail.

Vance and Walz will debate for the first time on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. Eastern. CBS will host the debate in New York City — and with no sign of a second presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Walz and Vance's faceoff could be the final of the 2024 campaign.

Emmer and Trump haven’t always had the best relationship: During the race to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, Trump tanked Emmer’s short-lived speakership bid . Emmer has since endorsed the former president .