By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made her highly anticipated selection of a running mate, tapping two-term Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Gov. Walz is a veteran and previously served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here's what SEMA and PRI members should know about the pick, straight from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office:
He led Minnesota in becoming a CARB state. Climate policy is a core issue for his administration. During his tenure as governor, Minnesota became a "CARB state," a state that has adopted California's vehicle emissions standards. This plan has been subject to litigation by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, which opposes Minnesota's clean cars plan and asserts that the state is not allowed to delegate its authority to CARB regulators in California.
Walz knows cars. Walz, a former public school teacher, once delivered an impromptu lesson in auto repair while on the campaign trail, in the process going viral online for his folksy, clear explanation of the problem and fix.
Walz is a Midwesterner. Walz was born in Nebraska and entered the public eye as representative of a significantly rural congressional district in southern Minnesota. His Midwestern appeal is seen by some as a counterweight to Harris's California roots--particularly as she attempts to win over rural and working-class voters who largely lean toward Donald Trump.
The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.