Walz Kicks Off Campaign with Labor Focus in High-Energy LA Speech

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz began his solo campaign efforts as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate with a high-profile speech at a labor convention in Los Angeles. Addressing the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Walz leveraged his union background to connect with the audience, emphasizing his past as a union member and high school teacher.

His message focused on the strength of unions and their role in fortifying the nation, marking him as the first union member on a presidential ticket since Ronald Reagan.

Walz’s speech highlighted several key policy issues, including a call for more stringent gun control measures and increased salaries for teachers. He used his own experiences and Harris’ working-class background—highlighting her early job at McDonald’s—to argue for the credibility of their campaign.

Walz also directed pointed criticisms at his opponents, specifically targeting Donald Trump for his support of right-to-work laws and addressing allegations made by Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, regarding his military service.

The convention had a chaotic start due to long security lines but quickly turned energetic as attendees cheered for Walz. The crowd responded enthusiastically, waving signs and showing support as Walz took the stage. His remarks included a light-hearted reflection on his optimistic nature, shaped by his years of supervising a high school lunchroom, and a call for continued engagement in organizing and voting.

The campaign’s emphasis on labor support is evident, with notable endorsements from unions like the Culinary Workers Union of Nevada. The Harris-Walz campaign is positioning itself strongly on worker-related issues, even as Harris’ policy proposals, such as ending taxes on tips, draw comparisons with Trump’s recent proposals. Republican critics have accused the campaign of promoting far-left policies, reflecting ongoing partisan tensions.

Walz’s campaign schedule includes a series of fundraisers and appearances across the country, including stops in Newport Beach, Denver, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

This nationwide tour follows a recent push through battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, and includes a successful fundraiser by Harris in San Francisco, which raised $13 million. The campaign’s focus remains on consolidating support in critical areas as they work towards the election.