Kamala Harris' vice president pick Tim Walz has a history of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé fandom
Don’t be surprised to find Tim Walz sporting friendship bracelets and a cowboy hat on the campaign trail.
The Minnesota governor, who was selected as Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate on Tuesday, has a history of pop fandom in his gubernatorial work. Walz has signed numerous bills into law honoring music icons such as rocker Bruce Springsteen and pop provocateur Prince.
The Midwestern statesman, 60, is also hip to the times. Walz has been a vocal stan of pop superstars Taylor Swift and Beyoncé in his tenure as Minnesota governor.
Walz’s Swiftie and BeyHive affiliations have galvanized fans of both singers following his vice-presidential nomination.
“Oh he part of the hive? Yea… he solidified my support,” @daddyklark wrote on X Tuesday.
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Tim Walz paid tribute to Taylor Swift, Beyoncé with Minnesota legislation
In addition to Springsteen and Prince, Walz has crafted bills that honor Swift and Beyoncé’s pop culture prowess.
In June 2023, Walz declared June 23 and 24 as Taylor Swift Days to coincide with Swift’s concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium on her record-breaking Eras Tour.
“Taylor Swift has enchanted and inspired Minnesotans and people all over the world,” Walz wrote at the time. “Taylor Swift will forever (and) always be a positive influence, setting an example with her truthfulness, grace, creativity and strength of character.”
The following month, Walz similarly authorized Beyoncé Day in honor of the “Cowboy Carter” singer’s Renaissance World Tour, which visited the North Star State with a concert at Huntington Bank Stadium on July 20.
“Beyoncé’s exceptional artistry, empowering messages and captivating performances have inspired millions, leaving a lasting impression on communities far and wide,” Walz wrote.
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On the Swiftie front, Walz also signed House File 1989 in May, which called for transparent business practices in the sale and promotion of entertainment event tickets in Minnesota.
Walz’s consumer advocacy with HF 1989, titled in reference to Swift’s album of the same name, is already earning him support among Swift’s fans, who nicknamed him “Swiftie VP.”
Kamala Harris gets in on ‘Brat summer’ with Charli XCX-inspired campaign aesthetic
Walz isn’t the only politician leaning into the power of pop.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, embraced the “Brat summer” trend inspired by pop singer Charli XCX’s latest album “Brat.”
After President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Harris to be his successor in the 2024 presidential election, Charli put her endorsement behind Harris as well, writing "kamala IS brat" on the social media platform X.
In response to Charli’s show of support, Harris’ campaign team Kamala HQ paid homage to the brat aesthetic by rebranding the Biden-Harris HQ with a chartreuse, brat-themed header on X.
Contributing: Alyssa Goldberg, Rebecca Morin, Joey Garrison, Cy Neff, Maya Marchel Hoff, Olivia Munson and Margie Cullen, USA TODAY
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