US Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 election, the Democratic presidential candidate announced Tuesday morning.
The vice president is scheduled to introduce Walz at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, before hitting the campaign trail for a tour of five crucial swing states.
Receive the main news from ACI Prensa by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channels today:
Walz has served as the 41st Governor of Minnesota since 2019. He previously represented Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District in the United States Congress from 2007 until his election as Governor.
A strong supporter of abortion, he has received 100% ratings from both NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
A staunch abortion advocate, Walz has received 100% ratings from both NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Joked in 2018 that his views on abortion were so extreme that Nancy Pelosi asked him to moderate.
Minnesota bishops react to Walz appointment
In a statement released Tuesday after Harris’ campaign announcement, Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, said the state’s bishops “congratulate Governor Walz on his selection as the Democratic vice presidential candidate and assure him Our prayers”.
The statement noted that the bishops had previously worked with Walz on a state-level child tax credit, as well as “promoting the well-being of Minnesota immigrants.”
Quote from head of Minnesota Catholic Conference @MNCatholicConf on Harris VP pick @GovTimWalz
“We congratulate Gov. Walz on his selection as the Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee and assure him of our prayers. We are proud to have worked together with him to enact a 🧵
— Mark Irons (@MarkIronsMedia) August 6, 2024
“However, we have also had areas of strong disagreement, including the protection of the innocent unborn from abortion, the protection of children from manifestations of gender ideology, and the importance of parental rights in education,” the statement says.
“In some areas, such as religious freedom, we have appreciated your willingness to listen to our concerns and change course,” the bishops said.
“As he becomes the center of national attention, the Minnesota Catholic Conference remains committed to constructive engagement with him, ensuring that Catholic perspectives are heard and respected at all levels of government.”
In addition to her pro-abortion policies, in 2023 Walz signed a Minnesota bill that prohibited therapists in the state from attempting to cure people with gender dysphoria. At the same time, he signed a law that strengthens protections for parents who allow extremist “transgender” procedures to be performed on their children.
A Lutheran and former school teacher, Walz has been married to his wife, Gwen, for 30 years. They share two children.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA. It has been updated on August 6 at 14:49 -5GMT.
Daniel Payne
Daniel Payne is senior editor at Catholic News Agency. He previously worked on College Fix and Just the News. He lives in Virginia with his family.