Harris picks Walz: Texas officials react to Democratic VP choice

Tim Walz named Kamala Harris' running mate

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been tapped to be the vice presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. Kamala Harris' choice has sparked swift reaction from both Democrats and Republicans.

AUSTIN, Texas - Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

Harris made the announcement official on social media and the two will appear at a rally in Pennsylvania later today before the two begin a tour of battleground states.

Other names on the shortlist for VP included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, as well as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

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What Tim Walz has said about Texas

Kamala Harris' new running mate Tim Walz has made several public comments about Texas and events that happened in the Lone Star State over the years.

Texas elected officials have reacted to the news of Walz joining the Democratic ticket.

Gov. Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a long statement criticizing Walz on Tuesday morning, saying a Harris-Walz administration "would be the most radical and dangerous administration in modern history."

Abbot criticized Walz for his border policies, including opposing funding for a border wall and supporting sanctuary cities.

"Tim Walz is in lockstep with Kamala Harris' dangerous open border, anti-energy, soft-on-crime agenda that will hurt Americans and the future of our country," the Governor said in a statement.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa

Gilberto Hinojosa, the chair of the Texas Democratic Party, celebrated the Walz pick.

"It’s clear that Governor Walz has consistently demonstrated effective leadership throughout his tenure in Minnesota and that his inclusion in the race will bring Vice President Harris back to the White House. His dedication to public education, healthcare, women’s rights and economic equity seamlessly aligns with the core principles of the Democratic Party," he wrote in a statement.

Ted Cruz

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) retweeted an endorsement of Walz by controversial Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar.

"Birds of a feather," Cruz said.

John Cornyn

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) posted a long statement on social media, saying that Harris is "doubling down" on progressive policies by picking Walz.

Beto O'Rourke

Lloyd Doggett

Chip Roy

Julian Castro

Lance Gooden

Sarah Eckhardt

Ronny Jackson

Gina Hinojosa

Veronica Escobar

Gene Wu

Mark Cuban

Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who betting markets listed as a possible running mate for Harris, called Walz a "normal" person that people can relate to.