Minn. Gov. Tim Walz says 'I would do what is in the best interest of the country' if asked to join Harris ticket

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is considered to be on the short list of possible running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, on Sunday left the door open to joining her on the ticket if asked.

“I would do what is in the best interest of the country,” Walz said in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” when asked whether he would serve as Harris’ running mate.

Pressed on whether that includes serving as vice president, Walz replied, “We’ll cross paths when we get there.”

Harris’ campaign has requested vetting materials from several possible running mates including Walz, NBC News has reported. But in his CNN interview, Walz stopped short of confirming whether he has received vetting materials from the Harris campaign.

“I’m not speaking on anything personal on this,” he said. “I think being mentioned is certainly an honor. My job is to make sure that — and I trust Vice President Harris’ judgment — she’ll make the best choice she’s going to. But one way or another, she is going to win in November, and that’s going to benefit everyone.”

Walz, a military veteran who has also served as a congressman and public school teacher, is known for his record of championing rural communities and the working class, and has implemented progressive policies in his state throughout his two terms as governor.

Walz has signed state legislation codifying abortion rights protections, legalizing recreational marijuana, placing restrictions on gun ownership and securing legal protections for transgender youths. He has also enacted laws that provide expanded paid family leave and universal school meals for students.

Asked if his legislative record would be an asset to the Harris campaign or fuel attacks from former