VP nominee Tim Walz visits Erie spots before rally

Minnesota governor and Democratic nominee for vice president Tim Walz arrived at Erie International Airport Thursday afternoon ahead of an evening rally at Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park.

Walz’s visit to Erie comes a week after his Republican counterpart, Sen. J.D. Vance, spoke at a local business in Erie.

Walz is slated to address supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris at 6 p.m.

Harris became the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race on July 21 following a disastrous debate performance in June that raised questions 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 warp speed compared to modern presidential campaigns after receiving the backing of Biden and enough delegates to secure the nomination ahead of the party’s convention. She chose the little-known school teacher, coach, veteran and former congressman over a slate of Democrats, including 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 Erie Insurance Arena in July 2023.

Walz’s Erie stop was part of a two-day campaign blitz in the battleground state, which 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 packed into the Harris-Walz field office on West Eighth Street in downtown Erie.

“It’s not hyperbole. This election will go right through Erie, Pennsylvania,” Walz said. “That is what is going to happen. We know that this is a bellwether county. We know that the work you’re doing here is gonna make a difference.”

Walz also took aim at former President Donald Trump, referring to comments Trump made Wednesday at a campaign stop in Pennsylvania. Talking to supporters, Trump told his audience it had “no choice” but to vote for him. 

“Like almost everything, he is a hundred percent wrong,” Walz said.

But his brief remarks took a more serious tone when he discussed the shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia Wednesday that claimed the lives of two students and two teachers.

Walz gives speech:Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz tells supporters road to White House runs through Erie

“We keep talking about this idea of freedom, of why it matters, freedom to make your own health care decisions, freedom to set your life forward, freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water,” he said. “Those are all freedoms. And I’m gonna say it today ’cause it’s heavy on every one of our hearts. I talk about this freedom: For our kids to go to school without being shot.”

Walz said none of the policies Harris is proposing would infringe on a person’s Second Amendment rights.

Walz raised the stakes for the campaign volunteers before concluding his remarks.

“There’s a very real chance that the calls that are being made here could make the difference in the vote and make the difference in Pennsylvania that can make the difference in this election, that can make a difference for generations to come, not just in this country but globally,” Walz said.

Walz and daughter order milkshakes at Sara’s

Traveling with his daughter Hope, Walz and his motorcade headed to Sara’s near Presque Isle State Park for a bite to eat. 

The stop came as a surprise to some patrons, including a group of Penn State Behrend students who spoke with Walz briefly. 

The governor ordered a burger, onion rings and two chocolate milkshakes, one for himself and another for his daughter.

This is a developing story. Return for updates.

Matthew Rink can be reached at mrink@timesnews.com or on X at @ETNRink.