Tim Walz's Midwestern Charm Boosts Kamala Harris – Can He Help Promote Her Economic Vision? Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, has quickly ascended to the national political arena, transitioning from state leadership to becoming the Democratic running mate for Kamala Harris. His presence not only enhances Harris's presidential prospects but also energizes the party's base, while bringing a refreshing sense of "weird" back into the political conversation. On Tuesday night, Walz will face a significant challenge as he goes head-to-head with Ohio Senator JD Vance in a highly anticipated debate in New York. Both candidates have leveraged their backgrounds of growing up in rural Midwestern towns to position themselves as representatives of middle America. Their recruitment by their respective parties underscores the importance of their appeal as they head into the November elections, with the economy remaining a pivotal issue for voters.