Tim Walz leans into labor background at first solo campaign stop in L.A.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz launched his first solo campaign stop as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate Tuesday by leaning into his union background and championing workers in a speech to a labor group in Los Angeles.

The event comes exactly one week since Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, named him as her running mate. In the whirlwind days since, Walz has catapulted from little-known Midwestern governor to national sensation.

As a former union member himself, Walz greeted the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees convention by telling attendees, “When unions are strong, America’s strong.” He was a member of the National Education Assn. during his years as a high school teacher, and he frequently touted his background.

“I happen to be the first union member on a presidential ticket since Ronald Reagan,” Walz said. “But rest assured, I won’t lose my way.”




https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-08-13/2024-election-tim-walz-afscme-convention