Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as her running mate in bid for must-win states

Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, a selection Democrats hope will boost the ticket's chances among white rural voters in must-win swing states.

Sources familiar with Harris' thinking confirmed the decision with NBC News and other media outlets on Tuesday morning. The Harris campaign later announced her choice in a text to supporters:

"I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate. Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president."

Harris made the final decision on Tuesday morning, hours ahead of a scheduled campaign rally in Philadelphia with her new running mate set to kick off around 5 p.m. ET, according to NBC News.