Dallas, Texas (SMU) –Vice President Kamala Harris' selection of Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate is a big bet, says SMU political science expert Cal Jillson. Jillson is available for media interviews about this topic and can be reached at (214) 768-4321 and cjillson@smu.edu. 

“Solid pick but it’ll likely be pointed to as a mistake if she doesn't carry Pennsylvania in November. Presidents routinely make big bets; this is Harris’ first.” Jillson said. 

“In a mildly surprising pick, Kamala Harris tapped Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. While Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro might have been the more obvious pick, given that Pennsylvania is a state that Harris absolutely must carry, she likely saw Walz as an attractive personality, both solid and funny, and an energetic partner for the campaign with leverage across the Midwest,” Jillson said. 

Cal Jillson, professor of political science at SMU.