Hollywood is thrilled over Kamala Harris‘ choice for a running mate.
On Tuesday morning, the vice president announced that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is her VP pick in her 2024 presidential bid. “As a governor, a coach, a teacher and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Following the news, reactions from across the nation quickly began pouring in, including from high-profile figures in Hollywood and politics.
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Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders called Walz a “great asset” to Harris’ “winning” campaign. “He is a former public school teacher, football coach and strong union supporter. As governor, he delivered for working families in MN. As VP, he will deliver for the working families of the US,” he wrote.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also shared her praise, writing, “Vice President Harris made an excellent decision in Gov. Walz as her running mate. Together, they will govern effectively, inclusively and boldly for the American people. They won’t back down under tight odds, either — from healthcare to school lunch. Let’s do this.”
Walz has implemented progressive policies in Minnesota, including universal school lunches and setting a goal for the state to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2040. Notably, in 2023, Walz signed a bill that codified the protections of Roe v. Wade within the state and also enacted a “Trans Refuge” bill that safeguards individuals seeking and providing gender-affirming care in the state. He’ll likely win over Swifties as well, as he signed House File 1989, legislation that enhances transparency and protections for individuals purchasing tickets online, inspired by the frustration from fans attempting to buy tickets to Swift’s concerts.
“With Kamala Harris & Tim Walz there’s a new sense of optimism, energy & unity. There’s a joyous feeling that we can finally put the politics of anger, resentment & divisiveness behind us & truly be the United States of America!,” tweeted Mark Hamill, closing his statement with a Star Wars reference, “#ANewHope.”
Alyssa Milano was also among the first celebrities to congratulate Walz, writing on X, “You embody so many of the traits we try to instill in our kids: you’re smart, kind, thoughtful, empathetic and patriotic. Combined with your experience as a teacher, veteran, a member of Congress, and a governor, these traits will make you a great VP!”
Yvette Nicole Brown voiced her happiness over Harris’ choice, tweeting, “I am just JOYOUS! I had stopped dreaming this was possible because again we had a strong, deep bench…
But former teacher @Tim_Walz was my favorite. My absolute favorite. I tried not to tip the scales in any way but this delightful man was the one for me!”
Mark Cuban also called out those who were unsure about Harris’ pick. “On the @tim_walz
choice, I think people who don’t like it are missing the lesson of the switch to Harris. She went from worst to first as people got to know her,” he tweeted. “It’s not a reach to think the same thing will happen with Walz. People are tired of the ideologues and hate from both parties. They want to vote for normal people they can relate to. Walz can sit at the kitchen table and make you feel like you have know him forever. That’s an incredible skill these days.”
In the comedy world, John Cleese showed his support for Walz, writing, “I see the MAGA weirdos are already attacking Tim Walz for suggesting that convicted felons should be allowed to vote
Surely that’s pretty much the same as allowing them to run for President, isn’t it?”
Paul Feig lamented that Chris Farley wouldn’t be able to play the Democratic VP candidate on Saturday Night Live. “So happy about Tim Walz! If only Chris Farley was still around to play him opposite Maya Rudolph’s Kamala,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Damon Lindelof made his pick of who should play Walz instead on SNL, sharing a meme on Instagram featuring Steve Martin alongside Maya Rudolph in her Kamala Harris impression from the show.
A spokesperson for the Writers Guild of America West shared in a statement, “We’re very excited to see a union member and strong supporter of workers join the ticket.”
Read on for more reactions from Hollywood and beyond.
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