Tim Walz calls for abolishing Electoral College during fundraiser, sparks backlash from Trump campaign

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Tim Walz has reignited the debate over the future of the Electoral College, calling for its abolition during a fundraiser at California Governor Gavin Newsom's home in Sacramento.

Speaking to a group of donors on Tuesday, October 8, Kamala Harris' running mate argued that the system should be replaced by a national popular vote.

Trump campaign's criticism of Tim Walz's comments

During the lavish fundraiser, Walz said, "I think all of us know the Electoral College needs to go. But that's not the world we live in."

The Minnesota governor's remarks highlighted his frustration with the current electoral system which allows a candidate to win the presidency without securing the majority of the popular vote, a scenario that has played out in recent elections.

Criticizing Walz's comments, the Trump campaign accused him of laying the groundwork to challenge the legitimacy of a possible Republican victory in the upcoming November election.

Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt took to X on Wednesday, October 9, to question the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.

"Is Tampon Tim laying the groundwork to claim President Trump’s victory is illegitimate?" wrote Leavitt.

Walz’s remarks come as the Democratic Party has been expressing frustration over the Electoral College, especially in light of their candidates winning the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections but losing the presidency in two of those contests.

Harris campaign distances itself from Tim Walz's remarks

Despite Tim Walz’s comments, the Harris campaign was quick to clarify that eliminating the Electoral College is not part of their official platform.

In a statement, the campaign noted, "Governor Walz believes that every vote matters in the Electoral College and he is honored to be traveling the country and battleground states working to earn support for the Harris-Walz ticket."

The campaign further explained that Walz was speaking to a group of dedicated supporters about the importance of securing the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

"He was thanking them for their support that is helping fund those efforts," read the statement, according to Daily Mail.

Electoral College vs Popular vote

Tim Walz's opinion reflect the broader Democratic Party's frustration with the Electoral College system, which they believe undercuts their popular support.

Kamala Harris is projected to have a 70 percent chance of winning the national popular vote in the 2024 election, as per the latest DailyMail.com/JL Partners election model.

However, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is favored to win the Electoral College with a 58.8 percent chance, demonstrating the stark contrast between the popular vote and the state-by-state system that ultimately determines the presidency.

While the Minnesota governor advocated for a shift to a national popular vote, he also acknowledged the importance of winning key battleground states under the current system.

"We need to win Beaver County, Pennsylvania. We need to be able to go into York, Pennsylvania, and win. We need to be in western Wisconsin and win. We need to be in Reno, Nevada, and win," said Walz.