Election 2024: Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz kicks off tour of Georgia, North Carolina in Macon

(13WMAZ) Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz spoke to campaign staffers on Tuesday in Macon ahead of a swing state tour hitting Georgia and North Carolina.

"We know it is going to be a close race," Walz told campaign volunteers. "It's going to come down to a few states — and Georgia is probably going to be at the center of it."

Walz, who landed in Macon at Middle Georgia Regional Airport at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, drove from Hotel 45 to the field office on Georgia Avenue.

During the speech, Walz attempted to energize volunteers with his trademark "we'll sleep when we're dead" and told them to use "all gas no breaks" with election day being fewer than 50 days away.

"You are the people in this room who can very likely make a difference in putting Kamala Harris as Madam President," Walz said.

Speaking behind a sign reading "Macon, Georgia loves Harris Walz," Walz emphasized issues such as the peaceful transition of power, reproductive rights and fighting for the middle class.

"Winning the election is a means to an end," Walz said. "The end is a more inclusive and fair society where everyone belongs. And we're working hard for people who we know our policies will improve their lives whether they vote for us or not. That's the power of politics."