Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz as Running Mate Amid Controversy

Vice President Kamala Harris announced her selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Wednesday. The news quickly stirred up reactions, especially among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to slam the governor with a new nickname: ‘Tampon Tim.’

This nickname stems from Walz’s support for a law that mandates public schools in Minnesota to provide feminine products, like tampons and pads, in all bathrooms for students between grades four and twelve. While Republicans in the state tried to alter the legislation to limit those products to women’s restrooms only, they were unsuccessful, and the law went into effect on January 1, 2023.

In addition to being the governor, Walz has a notable political background, having previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with a lengthy career as an educator and National Guardsman. His choice by Harris has been met with applause from progressives and LGBT rights groups.

However, the backlash from Republicans has been considerable. Trump adviser Stephen Miller was quick to mock the selection, posting online, ‘She actually chose Tampon Tim.’ Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt further criticized Walz during a Fox News appearance, claiming that Walz’s policies pose a significant threat to women’s health.

Leavitt remarked, ‘What could be weirder than signing a bill requiring schools to stock tampons in boys’ bathrooms?’ The comment highlights the contentious nature of the bill and reflects a larger debate surrounding reproductive health policies.

Tim Walz is known for his support of LGBT rights, having advocated for same-sex marriage legalization and the repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy while a member of Congress. As governor, he also signed a bill preventing Minnesota from cooperating in attempts to prosecute out-of-state patients seeking reproductive or gender-transition treatment, and he banned conversion therapy for LGBT minors.

The uproar over the bathroom law echoes a similar moment from nearly nine years ago when Donald Trump disparaged journalist Megyn Kelly during a debate, leading to public discussions about menstruation and women’s health issues.

Despite the ridicule, policies surrounding menstrual equity are gaining traction across the country, with bipartisan support seen even in states with Republican leadership. Efforts to eliminate the ‘tampon tax’ and provide menstrual products in schools are becoming more commonplace.