Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is poised to formally accept the Democratic vice presidential nomination on Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His acceptance speech will mark a significant moment in the 2024 presidential election campaign, as he officially joins Vice President Kamala Harris as her running mate.
Walz’s address is scheduled for the third night of the convention, themed “A Fight for Our Freedoms.” He will be speaking after former President Bill Clinton, who is also expected to address the convention. The night will also feature speeches by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Walz, a former Congressman and Army National Guard veteran, brings a record of progressive policy victories to the ticket. He has championed a range of issues in Minnesota, including protecting abortion rights, legalizing recreational marijuana, and enacting gun control measures to curb shootings. In 2023, he signed a law banning “conversion therapy” and another requiring free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms, a policy often referred to as the “tampon law.”
However, Walz’s military service record has faced scrutiny. Critics have accused him of misleading statements regarding his deployments and claims about his rank. Walz has defended his actions, stating he is “proud to serve my country, and I always will be.”
The convention is a critical event for the Democrats as they seek to unify the party and rally support for their ticket. Vice President Harris, who was formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate on Tuesday, is expected to make her acceptance speech on Thursday night.
This event marks a significant moment in the 2024 campaign, as the Democratic Party prepares to face the Republican nominee in the upcoming election.
