Minnesota's lieutenant governor named one of four Democratic National Convention chairs in Chicago

CHICAGO – Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was named Sunday as one of four co-chairs of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, lifting her national profile as she helps steer the four-day gathering and celebration in support of the presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.

"I am proud of the national spotlight on Minnesota and thrilled that this week will showcase the authenticity and joy the Harris-Walz ticket has brought to our entire country," Flanagan said in a statement.

Flanagan will gavel the event open and closed every evening and introduce speakers, including President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama.

Serving with her will be Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who also served as Louisiana's lieutenant governor and is the national co-chair for the Harris-Walz ticket.

"It is an honor to be named co-chair of the [convention] and highlight the excitement around seconds-in-command right now," Flanagan said.

With Flanagan serving as a co-chair, the convention events at Chicago's United Center and McCormick Place will take on an even richer Minnesota flavor.

Flanagan had pursued a prominent role in Chicago even before Harris announced her surprise selection of Walz as her running mate Aug. 6.

The Democratic National Committee, which oversees the convention, announced the selection of the chairs.

"Their dedication to service, boundless optimism and passion for progress is emblematic of our party's values and our message to the American people," committee Chair Jaime Harrison said. "I'm thrilled for the nation to see our vision for the future and meet the incredible leaders who will guide the way."

Convention Chair Minyon Moore praised the co-chairs, saying the convention will honor Biden's leadership, celebrate Harris and Walz, and "uplift the deep bench of future leaders who will carry our party and country forward."

The national committee said in a statement announcing their selection that the co-chairs come from the four corners of the country and represent the "breadth and diversity of the expanding bench of talent in the Democratic Party at all levels of government."

The prominent convention role may be a harbinger for Flanagan. She is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation and if the Harris-Walz ticket wins in November, she would become the first Indigenous female governor in the nation.

Walz and Flanagan first won the governor's office in 2018 and were re-elected in 2022. Throughout their six-year tenure, they have portrayed their work as a true partnership. She is regularly beside Walz both at public events and privately in cabinet meetings.

In recent days, Flanagan has repeatedly said that the lieutenant governor's job is to be ready if the top spot opens. But she's also warned that much work must be done for Harris and Walz to win in November.

Flanagan and Walz steered Minnesota through the global COVID-19 pandemic, chaotic civil unrest and a historic 2023 legislative session that saw a passage of a laundry list of progressive laws.

"I have always felt like a partner," she said recently of her six years working with Walz. "I have always felt that my opinions are valued. I think you can see my fingerprints all over a lot of our policies and legislative victories."

Before she was elected lieutenant governor, she represented her native St. Louis Park in the state House. She also serves as chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, where she seeks to help elect Democratic lieutenant governors across the country.