PROSPECT HEIGHTS—Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate as the presidential campaign shifts into high gear ahead of the Democratic National Convention later this month.

Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, announced her choice on X. “I am proud to announce that I have asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his,” she tweeted Tuesday morning. “It’s great to have him on the team.”

I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate.

As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.

It’s great to have him on the team.

Now let’s get to work. Join us:https://t.co/W4AE2WlMTj

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 6, 2024

Walz, a Lutheran and former school teacher, has served as governor of Minnesota since 2019. Prior to that, he served in Congress for 12 years, representing Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, where, as a pro-abortion supporter, he received a 100% rating from both NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Harris and Walz were expected to make their first joint appearance at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening. After the rally, the duo will visit key swing states on the campaign trail.

Harris and Walz will be officially nominated at the Democratic National Convention, which will take place in Chicago from Aug. 19 to 22.

Former Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign issued a statement blasting the choice of Walz. 

“It’s no surprise that San Francisco Liberal Kamala Harris wants West Coast wannabe Tim Walz as her running mate,” the statement read. “Walz has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State.”