EXCLUSIVE: The third-ranking House Republican leader asserts that the selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate represents the best scenario for Republicans.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the top-ranking congressional Republican from Walz’s home state, spoke with Fox News Digital following Harris’ announcement that the Midwestern progressive would accompany her on the Democratic Party ticket in November.
“This could not provide a clearer contrast with Donald Trump, who has established a highly successful business empire. Neither of these candidates have any real experience in management,” Emmer stated. “And Tim Walz—he’s been trying to reshape Minnesota into Kamala Harris’ version of California for the past six years. He is an extreme progressive.”
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House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, the highest-ranking Minnesotan in Congress, criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Governor Tim Walz from his state. (Getty Images)
Harris met with Walz alongside Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro over the weekend to solidify her decision, just two weeks after she stepped in following President Biden’s exit from the race.
Emmer expressed that Walz represented the “absolute” best opponent for Republicans and dismissed Shapiro as “clearly too fiscally conservative” for Harris’s choice.
“Tim Walz has essentially mismanaged the state from the beginning. He not only favored specific groups during the pandemic mishandling but also permitted Minneapolis to suffer enormous destruction due to his inaction against crime,” Emmer asserted.
Walz has already faced criticism for delaying the deployment of the National Guard during the summer of 2020 when Black Lives Matter protests erupted in response to George Floyd’s death, resulting in significant property destruction.
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Looters were seen taking items from a Target store following the widespread rioting and looting in South Minneapolis triggered by the death of George Floyd in 2020. (Scott Takushi/MediaNews Group/St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images)
Emmer suggested that Republicans are also likely to scrutinize Walz’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics targeted Walz for his indoor masking policies and a state hotline established to report violations of the mandates.
Emmer noted that Walz’s advocacy for electric vehicles in the state, including the implementation of the Clean Cars Minnesota initiative, will be another focal point for Republican attacks.
“This individual has embraced an extreme leftist approach to energy, aiming to undermine our rich and effective energy resources. He aspires for Minnesota to emulate California by rapidly eliminating gas-powered vehicles,” Emmer remarked.
Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Harris campaign and the governor’s office for comments.
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Harris officially named Walz as her running mate on Tuesday. (Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images)
Former President Trump expressed his excitement regarding Harris’ choice, posting “THANK YOU!” in all caps on Truth Social shortly after the announcement.
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In contrast, prominent Democrats have lauded her selection of the Minnesota governor.
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will guide America toward a brighter future for all. Together we move forward!” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., posted on X.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., remarked on MSNBC, “I know Tim Walz well. He has served in the House. To label him as extreme left is simply inaccurate. He is a centrist—a true Democrat of the heartland.”
