Tim Walz is on the campaign trail the day before Election Day in West Ellis, Wisconsin, on November 4, 2024. The Minnesota governor and 2024 vice presidential candidate is embarking on a tour of House districts represented by Republicans who have ceased holding in-person town halls due to the tumultuous receptions some of their colleagues have faced.
Starting in Iowa with Rep. Zach Nunn’s district and then moving to Nebraska for Rep. Don Bacon’s district, Walz plans to visit Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio in the coming weeks, with additional stops likely to be added. Following his national recognition from his previous run on the Democratic ticket, Walz felt compelled to take action.
Expressing concern about the Trump administration and the lack of response from some representatives, Walz stated, “These folks need to be heard… Democratic leadership needs to hear them.” He initiated his plans after House Republican leaders advised against holding town halls, alleging that the gatherings were attended by paid activists without providing evidence.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response to his social media post, Walz’s team has been fielding numerous invitations for appearances from local party leaders and candidates. He expressed gratitude for the continued engagement of supporters following his previous electoral defeat and emphasized the importance of mobilizing against unpopular policies.
Regarding the lack of similar events from major Democratic leaders, Walz attributed it to the party’s need to regroup. However, he emphasized the value of engaging with constituents directly and providing them a platform to voice their concerns and opinions.
Reflecting on his past experiences and the rise of the Tea Party movement, Walz advised Republicans not to underestimate the significance of engaging with constituents. He sees himself as a facilitator for amplifying voices and empowering individuals to speak out on issues that matter to them.
As he prepares to engage with voters across different states, Walz remains committed to listening to their perspectives and providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and action.
Rather than just serving as an opposition to Trump, we must venture into the space necessary to gain credibility and communicate our values effectively. Following a period of silence post-campaign, during which she played a relatively low-key role as a running mate as per the direction of the Harris campaign leadership, Walz has been more active in recent weeks. While many anticipate Walz running for a third term as governor next year, he has downplayed suggestions that his current efforts are laying the groundwork for a future national campaign. “My focus is on ensuring victory in ’28 by any means necessary. Being on a national ticket is not my goal,” he told CNN. “I still have a platform and influence to effect change, and even if only 20 people show up, that’s impactful to me. It’s not about drawing a crowd but about making a difference for those who matter. I will visit states where my presence may seem inconsequential, but it matters to those individuals, and that’s what drives me.” To access more CNN news and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
