Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, it was announced on Tuesday.
The choice of Walz, known for his progressive policies and straightforward manner, aims to appeal to rural, white voters in America's heartland, according to sources familiar with the decision.
Tim Walz, aged 60, is a veteran of the US Army National Guard and a former teacher. He was elected to a Republican-leaning district in the US House of Representatives in 2006, serving for 12 years before becoming governor of Minnesota in 2018.
As governor, Walz has championed a progressive agenda, advocating for free school meals, climate change initiatives, tax cuts for the middle class, and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers.
Since becoming the Democratic candidate following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race on 21 July under party pressure, Harris, 59, has reinvigorated the party's hopes for an electoral victory.
Harris and Walz will contest the election against Trump and his running mate JD Vance, also a military veteran from the Midwest, on 5 November.
