Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz arrived at Erie International Airport Thursday afternoon ahead of an evening rally at the Highmark Amphitheater in Liberty Park.
Walz’s visit to Erie comes a week after his Republican counterpart, Sen. J.D. Vance, gave a speech at a local business in Erie.
Walz will address supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris at 6 p.m.
Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 following a disastrous June debate that raised doubts about the 81-year-old’s ability to lead the country for another four years.
Harris had to vet and select a running mate at a pace far faster than modern presidential campaigns, after securing Biden’s endorsement and enough delegates to secure the nomination before the party convention. She chose the little-known schoolteacher, coach, veteran and former congressman over a group of Democrats that included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Neither Harris nor her challenger, former President Donald Trump, have appeared in Erie County this year, though Trump did hold a rally at the Erie Insurance Arena in July 2023.
Walz’s stop in Erie was part of a two-day campaign blitz in the state that could decide the presidential election. On Wednesday, Walz made stops in Lancaster and Pittsburgh.
Walz stops at campaign office on West Eighth
Walz visited a group of volunteers who were meeting at the Harris-Walz office on West Eighth Street in downtown Erie.
“It’s not an exaggeration. This election is going to go right through Erie, Pennsylvania,” Walz said. “That’s what’s going to happen. We know this is a precursor to a county. We know the work you’re doing here is going to make a difference.”
Walz also took aim at former President Donald Trump, referencing comments Trump made Wednesday at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Speaking to supporters, Trump told the crowd they had “no choice” but to vote for him.
“As with almost everything, he is 100 percent wrong,” Walz said.
But his brief remarks took on a more serious tone when he discussed the shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia on Wednesday, which left two students and two teachers dead.
“We keep talking about this idea of freedom, about why it’s important, the freedom to make your own health care decisions, the freedom to move your life forward, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water,” he said. “Those are all freedoms. And I’m going to say it today because it’s heavy on everyone’s heart. I’m talking about this freedom: that our children can go to school without being shot.”
According to Walz, no policy Harris proposes would infringe on an individual’s Second Amendment rights.
Walz raised the stakes for campaign volunteers before concluding his speech.
“There is a real opportunity that the decisions made here could make a difference in the vote and in Pennsylvania, could make a difference in this election, could make a difference for future generations, not just in this country, but around the world,” Walz said.
Walz and daughter order milkshakes at Sara’s
Walz and his entourage traveled with their daughter Hope to Sara’s at Presque Isle State Park for a bite to eat.
The stop came as a surprise to some visitors, including a group of Penn State Behrend students who spoke briefly with Walz.
The governor ordered a hamburger, onion rings and two chocolate milkshakes, one for himself and one for his daughter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Matthew Rink can be reached at mrink@timesnews.com or at X at @ETNRink.
This article originally appeared on the Erie Times-News: VP candidate Tim Walz tours Erie sites ahead of rally
