Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is endorsing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as a potential running mate for Harris, saying he would be a “voice” for working people.
“I had a chance to talk to the governor a few days ago, and I was very impressed with him,” Sanders said in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio on Saturday. “I think you’re a great governor who understands the needs of working families.”
“So I would very much like the vice president to pick a running mate who will speak out and stand up to powerful corporate interests,” he continued. “And I think Tim Walz is the guy who can do that.”
Sanders is in Minnesota on a “get out the vote” campaign supporting Rep. Ilhan Omar (D). He hosted a town hall in Mankato, Minn., targeting working-class voters.
The Vermont senator previously held off on endorsing Harris, saying he wanted the vice president to offer more specifics on issues important to working people. Sanders, who ran against Harris and President Biden in 2020, said he wanted to help shape her campaign before endorsing her.
Sanders said in an interview Saturday that he would do “everything I can” to help Harris beat former President Trump in November, which he said was one of the reasons he was visiting the North Star State.
“I think she has the track record to run a strong race with President Biden. I think she’ll be vocal on issues like climate change, women’s right to control their own bodies, protecting our democracy, but also the needs of working families,” he said.
Walz is one of the candidates who will be on the ballot alongside Harris this fall. First elected to Congress in 2006, Walz served in Congress for 12 years before returning to Minnesota.
House Democrats, especially progressives, are backing him because of his Midwestern roots and military background, which are polar opposites of Harris’s.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) also said Walz’s track record of supporting unions and working families made him an attractive choice. She said she wanted someone who supports labor because it’s important to get the working class vote.
Waltz has drawn national attention as a leading contender for Harris’ nomination, especially since it’s a key state Democrats hope will remain in the coming election.
The Minnesota governor said he was “honored” to be considered for the job. Harris said she would begin campaigning next week with a running mate, though no announcement has been made yet.
