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Politics and Government News
Clay Masters

Under Democratic nomination schedule, VP speculation could end next week for Walz, others

Governor Walz speaks
Gov. Tim Walz, speaks during a bill signing ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol in on May 20.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News

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Speculation surrounding Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s fate on the presidential ticket could be decided as early as next week. 

The Democratic National Convention Rules Committee, co-chaired by Walz, approved a plan Wednesday that gives presidential candidates until Saturday to declare they’re running and submit the necessary show of support to move ahead. The window closes Tuesday, and a virtual roll call will follow soon after.

The timeline is short because Democrats want to nominate their new candidate — to replace President Joe Biden — ahead of their mid-August convention to avoid potential legal issues surrounding a ballot deadline in Ohio. It’s possible Vice President Kamala Harris will be the sole candidate put forward for president.

And, according to a statement from the committee, the nomination of a vice presidential candidate will also come quickly because the party needs to settle its entire ticket. 

“Once a Presidential nominee is selected, the nominee may place a Vice Presidential candidate into nomination,” the committee statement reads. “The Convention Chair may then declare that candidate to be the Vice Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.” 

Harris so far has no known opposition, and she's already on the hunt for a running mate.

Walz is seen as a potential vice presidential pick along with many others. Among them are: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. 

Walz did not address the speculation during the virtual meeting but applauded the committee’s rules approval.

“Our country is experiencing an unprecedented moment, as we all know. One that needs strong leadership, decisive action and a fair path forward,” Walz said as he closed the meeting. “The committee here today exhibited all those qualities and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Walz declared himself open to being on her ticket in an interview with MPR News this week. He has since been more reserved about his interest in a string of national television appearances.

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, posted on X Wednesday that she’s “all in on Gov. Tim Walz for VP.” U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, of the 4th District, previously promoted him as a good pick for Harris.

Former congressman and 2020 presidential hopeful Beto O’Rourke of Texas also posted on X about Walz’s credentials, including his military background, teaching background and leading “the progressive miracle in Minnesota” by “codifying abortion rights” and “restoring voting rights.” 

Walz and O’Rourke were close when both served in the House, where Walz spent a dozen years until his election as governor.

Another big endorsement came Walz’s way on social media. David Hogg, who built a youth political movement around tightening gun laws after school shootings, also promoted Walz and said he wanted to marshal support for him to be selected. Hogg has more than 1 million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter.