US POLITICS
Will Tim Walz continue as Governor of Minnesota while running as VP with Kamala Harris?
Does the VP pick typically give up their office to run? A look at the plans of the presumed Democratic pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
It’s official: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket in November as her vice presidential pick.
The Democratic base has rejoiced at the opportunity to vote for Vice President Harris, and Walz was seen as a favorite by voters and leaders within the party like former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Walz faced tough competition, with many within the party vying for the role destined to go to a white leader from a purple state. Though Democrats have dominated in Minnesota for years, it has not always been a stronghold for the party; as a leader from the Midwest, the campaign surely hopes that Walz will be seen as relatable and trustworthy by voters across the region (and country for that matter).
Read more: Who is Tim Watz, Kamala Harris’ choice for VP for the 2024 election?
Will Governor Walz give up his seat?
Governor Walz, who was re-elected in 2022, will likely remain in his role as the head of the Midwestern state and only depart the office if voters elect him and the vice president in November. The situation resembles 2016 when Hillary Clinton selected Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate. Senator Kaine scaled back his senatorial responsibilities to run but did not give up his seat.
Similarly, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who was selected as Trump’s running mate, has not given up his seat in the upper chamber of Congress to join him on the GOP ticket. In November, when the voters have made their choice, a special election will be called to fill either the governorship of Minnesota or the Ohio senate seat.