Tim Walz’s viral ‘Menards’ jingle video has an ironic twist

Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz is going viral for a TikTok video hyping a Wisconsin-based chain store.

It’s a sign of how the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris is engaging with influencer culture to spread its message, and attempting to leverage the Minnesota governor’s folksy Midwestern charm to appeal to younger voters.

Walz appeared on “Subway Takes,” a video series where guests share their hot opinions while riding public transit. Walz’s hot take was about the importance of good gutter maintenance.  

But there’s an ironic twist: Menard’s, the home improvement behemoth whose gutter treatments Walz praises, is owned by Republican megadonor John Menard.

“I get my downspouts at Menard’s,” Walz told video host Kareem Rahma, before the two launched into singing the theme song for the store.

“And keep your receipts,” Walz added. “Eleven percent rebates — but you got to send them in. It’s a little bit of a challenge, but keep your receipts. You send it in; about six weeks later, you get your 11 percent back.”

It wasn’t the first time Walz has mentioned the Eau Claire-based company in interviews. Back in 2019, a reporter asked the Minnesota governor, “What is the last thing that you did, truly out in the public, truly by yourself?”

“I went to Menards and bought an air filter for my furnace,” Walz responded.

A clip of that interview was widely shared on social media as Walz’s profile skyrocketed in the weeks before he was chosen as Harris’s VP. Liberal outlets cited the governor’s Regular Joe shopping habits at the home improvement chain as part of his appeal.

The Harris campaign has engaged extensively with social media influencers, including bringing 200 social media content creators to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this month to reach younger voters.

But Menard’s founder John Menard is unlikely to be swayed by this TikTok. The Eau Claire billionaire has donated extensively to Republican candidates and PACs, both statewide and nationally.

He was also a longtime friend of former President Donald Trump and has endorsed him in past elections, although their relationship was not without controversy.

After a business relationship went sour, Trump posted in 2013 about Menard and namesake chain, wondering if store employees should unionize. In the years since, Menard has donated to Trump’s presidential campaigns, including $50,000 to a PAC supporting his first race in 2016.

A spokesperson for Menards didn’t respond to WPR’s request for comment.