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Published on October 07, 2024
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Embarks on Southern California Fundraising Tour, Sets Tone in San Diego VisitSource: Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As the political tides surge through America's electoral shores, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz touched down in San Diego on the first leg of a fundraising sprint across Southern California. Joining the likes of Democratic vice-presidential contenders, Walz spent Sunday whipping up support and capital for the Harris-Walz ticket, with an itinerary set for less than three hours in "America's Finest City."

Upon arrival at San Diego International Airport, Walz was welcomed by Rep. Scott Peters, who represents California's 50th District and has shared a rapport with the Minnesotan since 2013. According to the 10News report, Peters conveyed an optimistic stance on local support, seeking to bolster their prospects: "A lot of people here are interested in helping the Harris-Walz ticket, and he's going to meet some of those folks today right here in my district."

Walz carved out time for remarks at an undisclosed location before setting off for Santa Barbara and, eventually, Los Angeles. However, the brevity of the visit did not detract from its substance. As NBC San Diego detailed, Walz addressed an assembly at the La Jolla residence of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs, where he crafted a narrative far different from the political tales spun by the opposite bench.

Under the San Diego sun, Governor Walz entertained the audience with jokes, even saying he'd "rather eat glass" than return to being a Congressman. He humorously compared San Diego's sunny weather to Minnesota's harsher climate. His mood shifted when he criticized former President Trump, not for his policies but his response during a disaster, as reported by NBC San Diego.

The urgency of this fundraiser tour reflects a crucial strategy by the Harris-Walz campaign. Targeting strongholds and swing states alike, the campaign eyes to fortify their standing in key Midwestern locales. Having flipped to Trump in 2016 before siding with Biden in 2020, states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are among those where Walz's roots might influence the outcome.