Article Summary –
Democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, which has been met with strong support from North Carolina Democrats, including Governor Roy Cooper, Attorney General Josh Stein, and State Sen. Rachel Hunt, who all praise Walz’s experience and progressive values. In contrast, Republican Mark Robinson criticized the Harris-Walz ticket as the “most radical” in history, citing his own controversial views on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Supporters highlight Walz’s rural roots, veteran status, and achievements in Minnesota, emphasizing his potential to appeal to a wide range of voters and flip North Carolina blue in the upcoming election.
On Tuesday morning, Democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris chose her running mate: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Harris’ choice of Walz — a former football coach, high school teacher, and veteran with rural roots — was met with immediate enthusiasm and praise from North Carolina Democrats.
Gov. Roy Cooper told NC Newsline that Harris “has picked an outstanding running mate in Gov. Tim Walz.”
“Governors like him know what it takes to get the job done, and he will be an outstanding vice president,” Cooper said.
NC Attorney General Josh Stein, who’s running this year to replace Cooper, said Walz will make a “a great vice president.”
“A veteran, educator, and dedicated public servant, I have no doubt he will fight for the American people just as he has fought for the people of Minnesota,” Stein said. “Let’s get to work!”
Stein’s opponent, Republican Mark Robinson — who has compared abortion to murder and slavery, compared LGBTQ people to “filth,” and said “some people need killing,” called the Harris-Walz ticket the “most radical” in history.
Democratic State Sen. Rachel Hunt said there’s “no better champion for families and children” than Walz.
“Looking forward to campaigning alongside Harris/Walz to turn NC blue,” she said.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton shared a photo of herself and Walz on X, saying: “Just two kids from rural America fighting it out for democracy and Republican extremism!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!”
“A Democrat at the top of the ticket who knows the importance of campaigning in every part of this country? Give me 50 of ‘em,” she added.
Dr. Cassandra Conover, chair of the Nash County Democratic Party, said that her area in particular is excited by Harris’ pick.
“He’s done amazing things in Minnesota, and he’s sincerely progressive,” she said. “He is a veteran and was also a teacher! His humanity connects him to rural voters! Let’s win this in November!”
Former state Supreme Court justice and North Carolina Republicans for Harris Leader Bob Orr also joined, stating on X: “it’s a storybook ending, it’s on to victory.”
Democratic US Rep. Wiley Nickel called Walz a fantastic choice to help lead Democrats to victory in November on X.
“He’s an experienced governor who knows how to work across the aisle and he’ll absolutely wipe the floor with JD Vance in the VP debate,” Nickel added.
Contest Every Race, a national coalition of rural organizations in battleground states, also reacted to Tuesday’s announcement.
“Walz is a fighter for working families with deep rural ties,” Daniel Jubelirer, communications director with Contest Every Race said. “He’s the perfect VP pick by Harris, as he’s the strongest leader on the issues that matter to North Carolinians: access to safe abortion care, ensuring no child goes hungry, transitioning to clean energy, creating union jobs, lowering taxes for working families, and standing up for LGBTQ rights.”
“As a gun owner who won in a red and rural district, Tim Walz definitively puts North Carolina in play,” Jubelirer added. “We’re hearing nothing but a roar of enthusiasm from rural leaders across North Carolina as they make the case to flip North Carolina blue this fall.”
—
Read More North Carolina News
