Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, speaks during a rally in support of Kamala Harris for president, along with Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania, on July 29, 2024.
Lev Radin | Lightrocket | Getty Images
Democrats who were vetted as potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris praised her pick of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz right after it was announced Tuesday.
The positive comments came as some Republicans backing former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign suggested on social media that Walz’s selection would harm Democratic hopes of retaining the White House.
They also show that Democrats who might be disappointed about being passed over are prioritizing party unity over personal feelings.
“Tim Walz is an exceptionally effective governor — and also great to work with,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote on social media site X.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg listens during an interview in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 23, 2024.
Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
“I’m excited for what his Midwestern voice, military experience, and common-sense values will bring to our winning ticket, and for everything the Harris-Walz administration will deliver for Americans,” Buttigieg said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose state is a key battleground for Harris’ presidential campaign, said, “Vice President Kamala Harris has my enthusiastic support — and I know that Governor Tim Walz is an exceptionally strong addition to the ticket who will help Kamala move our country forward.”
“I look forward to traveling all across the Commonwealth to unite Pennsylvanians behind Kamala Harris’ campaign to defeat Donald Trump, become the 47th President of the United States, and build a better future for our country,” Shapiro said in the statement.
That travel is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon, when Shapiro is scheduled to join Harris and Walz at a rally in Philadelphia, the vice president’s first public appearance with Walz as her running mate.
Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona tweeted, “Vice President @KamalaHarris and Governor @Tim_Walz are going to move us forward.”
“They’re already building a campaign to unite our country — and @GabbyGiffords and I are ready to do everything we can to help them win,” Kelly wrote, referring to his wife, a former House member from Arizona.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, in his own post on X, wrote, “It was an honor to be considered in this process, but @Tim_Walz is a great friend and a great choice.”
“I fully support this new ticket and will work to elect @KamalaHarris as our next President of the United States.”