Who is Tim Walz? Harris VP pick gives progressives what they want.

Vice President Kamala Harris just defined her election campaign as bold and forward-thinking.

On Tuesday, the Democratic presidential nominee selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. By choosing him, Harris is telling voters that she will not reverse the progressive policies she ran on in 2020. That’s a good thing.

The choice is perfect for Gen Z progressives who want to see the Democratic Party move into the 21st century and champion things like abortion rights, universal health care, commonsense gun laws and other policies that will lead to a better quality of life for the majority of Americans.

For years, progressives have thought that the solution to former President Donald Trump and his brand of MAGA Republicanism is to run a candidate who can get voters excited and turn out the base. The energy started with Harris; the momentum will continue with Walz.

Progressives got their wish: Harris' VP pick will set the tone for Democrats. It needs to be progressive.

Who is Tim Walz? Look at his accomplishments in Minnesota.

In selecting Walz, Democrats are finally listening to the requests of progressives who want to see our country head in a bold new direction. After researching all of Harris’ options, Walz’s record stood out to me for all that he accomplished in 2023 alone. During that time, Minnesota codified abortion rights, legalized cannabis, expanded voting rights, banned conversion therapy and passed new climate initiatives.

I’m not the only one excited about this. Other young people and progressives are encouraged by Harris’ selection.

“Gen Z trusts Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to advocate for us and move our generation towards the future we deserve,” Santiago Mayer, the executive director of the Gen Z organization Voters of Tomorrow, said in a statement.

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Walz was the top choice of young progressives who were impressed with his record. Now, it’s up to them to mobilize around the Democratic nominees and get out the vote come November. It’s about more than defeating Republicans – it’s about showing the Democrats that their coalition believes the party is on the right track.

Harris energizes Gen Z: Gen Z is mobilizing for Harris in ways we wouldn't for Biden. The momentum is palpable.

The Midwestern pick that could help Harris with the Electoral College

Aside from Walz’s accomplishments as governor, he has an advantage as a Midwesterner with a rural background. It’ll be a boost in key swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin, which will bring Harris closer to the 270 electoral votes needed to reach the presidency.

It’ll be interesting to see him go toe-to-toe with JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee and another Midwesterner.

Another key state will be Pennsylvania, where former VP contender Josh Shapiro is governor. Harris and Walz are making their first appearance as the Democratic Party nominees in the Keystone State on Tuesday to kick off their campaign. It’ll be a moment to define their campaign for the rest of the election.

Walz will have to answer to some of his record – his reaction to the protests in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd will ruffle some feathers with more moderate and conservative members of the party. He’s already being attacked by the Trump-Vance campaign.

But the majority of Democrats – the ones who will vote blue no matter who, instead of the imaginary moderate voters the party has tried to appeal to for the last few election cycles – are going to be pleased with this. If the goal is to turn out the base and guarantee young voters head to the polls this fall, they’re on target.

Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Sara Peque?o on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walz's record shows how Harris, Democrats plan to beat Trump