Tim Walz’s Sudden Rise in the Democratic Party Was No Accident

Shortly after the 2022 midterms, the political landscape seemed clear: President Biden would run for re-election in 2024, with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz had led his party to decisive victories and started contemplating a different future — one where his Midwestern appeal might be valuable on a national scale, potentially even on a presidential ticket.

Determined to raise his national profile, the straightforward Mr. Walz and his team devised a strategy to enter the national political arena, as disclosed by an insider who requested anonymity to share Mr. Walz’s plans. They aimed to increase his visibility through state party dinners and cable news appearances, all executed with a touch of “Minnesota Nice.”

Their efforts paid off dramatically over two turbulent weeks. Mr. Walz evolved from a relatively obscure governor into one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent figures. His strategic approach, coupled with some fortuitous timing, helped him secure the vice-presidential nomination, surpassing other emerging stars from key battleground states and well-known liberal leaders.

Mr. Walz’s rise to prominence, achieved through meticulous planning over 18 months, saw him become a viral sensation. Throughout this ascent, he maintained a demeanor of loyalty, humility, and optimism during private meetings with Ms. Harris and her team.

Beneath his Midwestern politeness, Mr. Walz was strategically boosting his political prospects. In early 2023, his political team launched a focused campaign to refine his message and highlight his achievements. They aggressively pitched him to podcasters, journalists, donors, and activists. By summer, his team had branded his progressive legislative successes as “the Minnesota Miracle.”