WASHINGTON – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is stepping into the spotlight this week as he holds his first solo events as Vice President Kamala Harris‘ running mate. He is embarking on a whirlwind five-state tour to raise campaign funds and address a key union gathering.

Walz kicks off the week by speaking at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees convention in Los Angeles before headlining a campaign fundraiser in Newport Beach, California. The union, with 1.4 million members, has endorsed Harris and is ready to mobilize for the upcoming election.

Over the next few days, Walz will address fundraisers in Denver and Boston, followed by events in Newport, Rhode Island, and Southampton, New York.

Last week, Walz joined Harris on a tour of battleground states to introduce himself to voters nationwide. They held rallies in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, announced as Republican Donald Trump’s running mate, had his own campaign rollout overshadowed by recent events. This included an assassination attempt on Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the election.

Walz has been promoting joy and positivity in his campaign, emphasizing kindness and neighborliness, while also criticizing Trump’s policies and legal issues. On the other hand, Vance has taken a more aggressive stance, attacking the Democratic ticket as too liberal for most Americans.