Harris’ VP Pick Tim Walz connected to Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Before Tim Walz became Minnesota’s governor, he spent his formative years in Nebraska.

Last summer, Tim Walz shared a photo of the barn from his family farm in Butte. He also connected with friends from high school at “Pancake Days.”

Friends say his time in Nebraska shaped his Midwestern sensibilities and values.

“Got to know him pretty well. Didn’t know he would be in Congress while I was in the Senate,” said former Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson.

Nelson was running to be Nebraska’s governor when he first connected with Walz in 1990.

Walz lived in Alliance following in his father’s footsteps as a pubic school teacher and administrator.

A 90-second campaign ad dropped by the “Harris For President” team showed clips of Walz in the classroom.

In a campaign ad, Walz says: “And I tried to teach my students what small town Nebraska taught me: respect, compromise, and service to country.”

“I think he’ll have credibility among those in the Midwestern group of states,” Nelson said. “He shouldn’t hurt the 2nd district here -- the blue dot. I think he will contribute to the blue dot in Nebraska. But also the Midwestern block.”

Walz was a keynote speaker last year at the Ben Nelson Annual Gala.

“His message at that dinner was a strong message for families — and working families,” Nelson said. “It’s reflective in virtually everything you hear him say. It’s real. In fact, the Vice President referred to him as authentic. He is authentic. Being authentic sells. People are looking for authenticity.”

Walz was born 60 years ago in West Point — an hour’s drive northwest of Omaha.

His family moved around a lot. He spent a number of years in Valentine, before landing in Butte his sophomore year of high school. He had a graduating class of 24 people in 1982.

Walz got a teaching degree in Social Sciences at Chadron State University. While teaching sixth grade in Alliance, he met his wife, Gwen, who grew up in Minnesota. They eventually left Nebraska to teach there.

“Not only a football coach, but a member of the National Guard. He was the highest ranking person in the national guard. What a history this man has for Nebraska and the Midwest,” Nelson said.

Walz was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018, and was re-elected in 2022.

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