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Healey, other Mass. leaders weigh in on Walz pick

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she was "thrilled" with Vice President Kamala Harris's decision.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Abbie Parr/AP

By Ross Cristantiello

Previously:

After weeks of heavy speculation, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her pick for running mate Tuesday morning: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The choice solidified the Democratic ticket with less than 100 days to go until Election Day. Harris and Walz are set to embark on a multi-state campaign blitz this week, looking keep up the early momentum ahead of the DNC convention in Chicago later this month.

Walz, a plainspoken former teacher, served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the House of Representatives before being elected to lead Minnesota. Reactions are rolling in from leaders on both sides of the political spectrum.

Gov. Maura Healey

“I am thrilled with this selection. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the ideal team to defeat Donald Trump and JD Vance and move this country forward.

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“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. I’m a proud colleague of Governor Walz. 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.

“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will build a country where people have the ability to not just get by, but get ahead. They will grow our economy, reduce the costs of housing and prescription drugs, and create jobs in every part of this country. They are the team we can trust to protect Social Security, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. And they will make sure every woman has access to the health care she needs.

“The people of this country do not want to go back to the anger and division of Donald Trump. They want to move forward together with a sense of optimism and hope — and those are the values that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz represent. I am so excited to support this incredible ticket in this campaign and then help them move this country forward as the next President and Vice President of the United States.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Ed Markey

Rep. Katherine Clark

“House Democrats are energized and excited to get to work on behalf of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

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“Tim is a joyful, battle-tested public servant who has made it his life’s work to help others — from the National Guard to the classroom to the governor’s mansion. He fights and delivers for everyday Americans, expanding veterans’ benefits, feeding hungry children, protecting abortion access, and establishing paid leave in Minnesota.

“While Donald Trump and JD Vance work to rig our economy for the rich and tear away women’s rights, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a vision for our country that includes everyone. They will lead with compassion, safeguard our freedom, and ensure working families can get ahead. Let’s go win.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

“I am super excited,” Wu said on GBH News Tuesday morning. “He brings the experience of having served on the executive side as a governor, really seeing how things are on the ground, having been in Congress for a significant amount of time, being a classroom teacher — I think it’s the perfect combination.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley

Rep. Lori Trahan

“Tim Walz is an excellent choice for Vice President. As a veteran, he helped lead the Veterans Affairs Committee’s work to improve access to health care and benefits for fellow veterans. As an educator and Governor, he passed free school meals to make sure children don’t go hungry, gun safety laws to protect kids at school and in their communities, and paid leave for workers. We have a strong, proven ticket in Kamala Harris and Tim Walz who are ready to take our message for a better future directly to the American people.”

Rep. Jim McGovern

Former GOP state Rep. Geoff Diehl

This is a developing story and will be updated.