Minnesota Gov. and vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, D, walked back his recent comments in support of abolishing the Electoral College. In a recent interview with ABC News, Walz clarified that his position is in line with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, which does not support replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote system.
Walz originally voiced his support for eliminating the Electoral College during a campaign event hosted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D. His remarks sparked controversy, leading to questions about whether his views were consistent with those of the Harris-Walz campaign.
In the interview, Walz stated that his earlier comments did not reflect the campaign’s official position.
“The campaign’s position is clear,” Walz said. “Their position, and my position, is to make sure that everybody understands their vote, no matter what state they’re in, matters.”
When asked directly if he and Harris disagreed on the issue, Walz said he had discussed the matter in the past but reiterated that he stands by the campaign’s position.
“She’s been very clear on this,” Walz said in the interview. “And the campaign’s position is my position.”
The clarification comes amid other moments on the campaign trail where Walz has had to walk back or clarify statements, including questions regarding his military tenure, family planning decisions and his past as a high school football coach.
Political observers suggest these missteps could be exploited by opponents as the race heats up. Some analysts note that Walz’s occasional stumbles could pose challenges for the Harris-Walz ticket as they head into the final stretch of the election season.
Despite national polling showing that 63% of Americans favor a popular vote system over the Electoral College, the Harris-Walz campaign remains focused on securing the necessary 270 electoral votes to win in November.
