Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election, following a tightly contested vetting process.

Walz, a Midwestern governor and Army veteran, was chosen due to his extensive experience and progressive track record, and despite his numerous achievements, his candidacy is marred by several controversies from his tenure as governor and past personal conduct, as Fox News reports.

Walz's Political Journey and Progressive Achievements

Tim Walz, 60, served in the U.S. Congress from 2007 until 2019, when he transitioned to become the governor of Minnesota. Winning his gubernatorial seat by defeating Republican Jeff Johnson, Walz was re-elected in 2022, securing victory against Republican Scott Jensen.

During his time as governor, Walz accomplished several significant progressive initiatives. Among his signature policies, he successfully codified abortion rights into the Minnesota state constitution.

Moreover, he implemented a groundbreaking policy providing universal free school breakfasts and lunches for students, irrespective of their family income. Additionally, Minnesota became a sanctuary for children seeking transgender medical procedures under his leadership.

Past DUI Incident Resurfaces

A controversial incident from 1995 continues to haunt Walz. Arrested for driving under the influence, he was found speeding at 96 mph in a 55-mph zone.

Reports indicated a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, leading to his failure in both field sobriety and preliminary breath tests. He eventually pled guilty to reckless driving, sidestepping the more serious charge.

Response to Minneapolis Riots Criticized

Walz’s handling of the 2020 Minneapolis riots, following the death of George Floyd, remains contentious. Critics argue that Walz delayed deploying the National Guard, exacerbating the situation.

Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann remarked, "[He] did nothing to try to stop the riots going on in Minneapolis."

This sentiment was echoed by Republican state Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, who noted that the National Guard was mobilized only after significant pressure.

COVID-19 Measures and Controversies

Walz’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic included implementing lockdowns and mask mandates, which were met with mixed reactions. Additionally, his administration created a hotline for reporting violations of these mandates.

"Why is it appropriate for a governor, who has never picked up the phone to call me, who is not a lawyer, who does not understand the nuances of this case, to talk about it publicly?" questioned Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty regarding Walz's involvement in a police shooting case, highlighting further tension during his tenure.

Feeding Our Future Scandal Under Walz's Watch

A significant fraud scandal erupted during Walz’s tenure, known as the Feeding Our Future scandal.

With approximately $250 million defrauded from federal food programs, the scandal has cast a long shadow over his administration.

Impact on the 2024 Election

Walz's selection as Harris' running mate brings a complex mixture of experience and controversy. His progressive policies have garnered praise from some quarters, while others criticize his past actions and decisions during crises.

Republican figures have not held back in their criticism. "He's been a disaster for Minnesota and is by far the most partisan governor that I can remember having," declared Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann.

As the 2024 election approaches, the scrutiny on Walz's record will likely intensify. Both his achievements and controversies will play crucial roles in shaping public perception and influencing voter opinion.

The Harris-Walz ticket must navigate these complex narratives to secure broader support.