Kamala Harris has announced Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as her running mate. The decision came one day after Harris was formally announced as the Democratic candidate, and only sixteen days after President Biden stepped down as the original candidate.

Many political figures, including Pennsylvania’s own Governor Josh Shapiro, were rumored and considered. The final decision of Tim Walz has brought about various opinions from both parties.

Walz, a two-term Minnesota governor, has various attributes that may be appealing to the Harris campaign. As a rural politician, Walz has the power to bring in Midwestern voters, especially within the “blue wall” states that were key to the 2020 Biden campaign. Additionally, Walz is a veteran and previously a public school teacher before serving in the House of Representatives for 12 years. His background in public service may appeal to more voters, collecting additional support for the Democratic ticket.

Republican vice president nominee JD Vance said this decision “highlights how radical Kamala Harris is,” but has shown excitement to debate. Various Democratic politicians have shown support for the decision, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and President Biden.

This decision comes only a week before the Democratic National Convention, and a mere three months before election day, leaving the 2024 Presidential election to be another historical American moment.