LGBTQ+ politicians and organizational leaders largely cheered the selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Throughout his career, Walz has supported LGBTQ+ rights, inclusive school policies, gender-affirming care for trans youth, trans inclusion in sports, out military service, hate crime penalties, anti-censorship, and laws against so-called conversion therapy.

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Governor Tim Walz stands strong for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for equality and non-discrimination in Minnesota.

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“Tim Walz is an exceptionally effective governor – and also great to work with. I’m excited for what his Midwestern voice, military experience, and common-sense values will bring to our winning ticket, and for everything the Harris-Walz administration will deliver for Americans.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

“I had the honor of serving with @Tim_Walz in Congress. As a veteran, a teacher, and a true public servant he will make a great Vice President. The path to the White House and the Senate majority runs through the Midwest, and I’m glad to see our party focusing on our region!”

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)

“In choosing Governor Tim Waltz, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen an affable and sensible Midwesterner with a bonafide appeal to the swing voters we need to win the election in November. Her selection stands in sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s self-inflicted wound of JD Vance, who has had the most inauspicious beginning in the history of Vice Presidential candidates. (Somewhere Dan Quayle is smiling). To call JD Vance a train wreck would be an insult to train wrecks. No one doubts that Donald Trump, reeling from buyer’s remorse, is secretly wishing he could get a refund, knowing as he must that the author of the ‘Art of the Deal’ got a raw deal in JD Vance.”

Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT)

“So thrilled! From universal school meals to passing the strongest child tax credit, Governor @Tim_Walz has been a champion for progressive and rural values. He understands the sharp contrast between Harris and the Trump-Vance ticket. And, he’s joyful. We need more of that.”

Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

“Congrats to our Governor and Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz. Former soldier, teacher, congressman. And not weird.”

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA)

“Governor Tim Walz is a home run pick for Vice-President Harris. He’s a former teacher and veteran and understands Congress. He has a strong record standing up for working families. Let’s go Harris-Walz because we are not going back!”

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)

“Governor Walz has the right background as a veteran, teacher, coach & public servant to be an effective partner for VP Harris. He’s a common sense leader who gets things done & I hope to welcome him back to NH as we work to expand opportunity & defend freedom for Granite Staters.”

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)

“I served with @Tim_Walz in the House for years before he became Gov. of MN. Great guy. Real deal authentic midwestern values. Gets big things done. Going to make JD Vance look like a used couch salesman.”

“@KamalaHarris made a great pick for the ticket & our nation. Well done!”

Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA)

“I applaud Vice President Harris for choosing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to join her on the 2024 Democratic Presidential ticket. all of his life experiences—teacher, championship winning, football coach, Army National Guard veteran, Congressman, and governor—have made him the man for this moment.”

“I have seen firsthand just how effective a leader Governor Walz is. We both vied to be the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He won that internal caucus contest, but immediately brought me into the fold, because that’s the type of leader he is: a collaborative bridge builder. He then took those skills to the Minnesota State House, passing a bevy of progressive policies that have made the Land of 10,000 Lakes one of the best places to live in the country.”

“Beyond just his governing record, I have also been impressed by his ability to win competitive races. Governor Walz ran and won time and time again in a rural district when he was in Congress, and his ability to communicate with everyday Americans stands in deep contrast to Senator JD Vance’s deeply weird personality.”

“Vice President Harris has made a wise choice in choosing such a capable partner to campaign and govern with. I look forward to Governor Walz becoming Vice President Walz next January.”

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey

“If you want to see the difference between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, just look at the quality and character of the person they chose as their running mate.”

“Tim had a two decade career as a teacher and in the Army reserves before he became an elected official. He is a person of deep integrity and empathy. As Governor, Tim has been a champion for the working families of his state and brings a common-sense approach to getting things done for the people he serves. He will be an outstanding partner to Kamala Harris during this campaign and as her Vice President.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

“With a proven Governor on Kamala Harris’s ticket, the path to victory is now even brighter. My friend Tim Walz is a strong governor who has delivered results, fought to protect and expand our freedom, and has a shared vision to help build a better future.”