Just days before Vice President Kamala Harris made the big announcement about her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was already getting buzz from back home. A text from Rep. Angie Craig, a prominent Minnesota Democrat, hit his phone with a playful twist: “I’ve never lost with you on top of the ballot.” She followed it up with an “LOL” for good measure, teasing him about his high-stakes new role. Craig, who represents a competitive House district in the Minneapolis suburbs, had made waves by calling on President Biden to step down after a poor debate performance. Now, she was all in for Walz as VP.
Craig’s endorsement wasn’t just a casual nod. She’s a strong advocate for Walz, citing his impressive ability to connect with people across various battlegrounds. "He can talk to anybody, anywhere, about anything," she told CBS News. Craig believes Walz’s presence could be a game-changer in critical House races, particularly in her own district and beyond.
Minnesota’s 2nd District, where Craig is running for her fourth term, is a tough battleground. She’s up against a formidable opponent, and Walz’s role as VP nominee is stirring up excitement and hope among Democrats. The stakes are high, especially as the Democrats look to flip the script in Nebraska’s 2nd District, Walz's birthplace. Here, Democrats are banking on Walz’s local ties to challenge Republican Don Bacon, a seasoned incumbent.
Both races are closely watched and highly contested, with significant implications for the balance of power in the House. Republicans, barely holding onto a slim majority, are pushing back hard against Walz, questioning his gubernatorial record and tying Democratic House candidates to his controversial stances. The attacks are part of a larger strategy to undermine Walz’s impact and sway the electorate in their favor.
Rep. Angie Craig is confident that Walz’s track record will work in her favor. She recounts his impressive range, from campaigning energetically to attending events from a turkey hunt to a gay rights gala in one weekend. His versatility on the campaign trail is a key asset, and she’s seen firsthand how his involvement can tip the scales.
In contrast, Craig’s Republican opponent, Joe Teirab, is leveraging his background as a former federal prosecutor to critique Walz’s handling of the 2020 unrest in Minneapolis. Teirab argues that Walz’s record on law enforcement is a liability, claiming that the governor’s policies have negatively impacted public safety and recruitment in police departments.
Teirab is also showcasing his own law enforcement credentials, positioning himself as a candidate tough on crime. He’s hoping that his prosecutorial experience will resonate with voters concerned about public safety and law enforcement. His campaign is focused on highlighting what he sees as Walz’s failures and positioning himself as a stronger alternative.
Despite the criticism, Craig has secured endorsements from law enforcement groups, such as the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, which bolster her stance on supporting law enforcement. Her campaign’s endorsements and Walz’s high-profile role are seen as key factors in her race.
Meanwhile, in Nebraska’s 2nd District, incumbent Don Bacon is facing off against state legislator Tony Vargas. Vargas, like Walz, is a former schoolteacher who sees Walz’s presence on the ticket as a potential boost for Democrats. Vargas is optimistic that Walz’s appeal to working-class voters could help sway the district, which is known for its blue-collar demographic. He views Walz’s support for organized labor as a crucial factor in mobilizing the base.
Bacon, a seasoned Republican, has been criticized for his attempts to discredit Walz, arguing that the governor’s shift to the left could hurt his standing in Nebraska. Bacon expressed more concern about a potential Shapiro candidacy but downplays Walz’s impact, suggesting that the governor’s roots in Nebraska might not be enough to sway the electorate.
As the campaign heats up, both parties are pouring resources into these critical races. Democrats are hopeful that Walz’s addition to the ticket will boost their prospects, leading to increased enthusiasm, better polling, and more fundraising. The impact of Walz’s nomination is palpable, with campaigns reporting a surge in voter engagement and enthusiasm.
On the flip side, Republicans are bracing for the potential fallout from the new VP pick. They are focused on highlighting what they see as weaknesses in the Democratic platform and maintaining a strong narrative around issues like the economy, border security, and crime.
The upcoming elections will be a true test of both parties’ strategies and their ability to mobilize their bases. As November approaches, all eyes will be on these battleground races, where every campaign move and every endorsement could make a decisive difference.
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