Tim Walz is a proud father of two kids—a daughter and a son.
The governor of Minnesota, who was chosen as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential candidate, married his spouse, Gwen Walz, in 1994 earlier than welcoming their kids in 2001 and 2006. Walz has been open about his household in interviews, notably recounting his and Gwen’s seven-year IVF journey earlier than they had been in a position to have kids. This expertise has influenced his insurance policies as governor. During the vice presidential debate, Walz acknowledged, “Infertility remedies are why I’ve a toddler,” whereas discussing reproductive rights.
Walz sometimes shares photographs and tributes to his children on social media and often discusses his household throughout campaigns along with his working mate. He has additionally appeared in a number of viral movies along with his daughter.
Here’s every little thing you should find out about Hope and Gus.
Hope Walz, 23
Tim and Gwen’s first little one, daughter Hope, was born on January 9, 2001.
In an interview with the Star Tribune, Tim defined that they selected the identify “Hope” to mirror their journey by means of IVF. After seven years of making an attempt to conceive, he recalled the joyous second when Gwen revealed she was pregnant.
“I stated, ‘Not once more,’” Tim remembered. “She stated, ‘No, I’m pregnant.’ It’s not by probability that we named our daughter Hope.” In his acceptance speech on the Democratic National Convention, Tim paid tribute to his household, stating, “It took Gwen and me years, however we had entry to fertility remedies. When our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you might be my complete world, and I like you.”
The lively father usually shares moments along with his firstborn on social media. He celebrated Hope on National Daughter’s Day in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram publish: “I’ve one of the best daughter a dad might probably ask for. Happy National Daughter’s Day.”
He additionally marked his daughter’s twenty third birthday earlier this 12 months by sharing a photograph on Instagram of Hope posing in entrance of ski slopes, writing, “Happy Birthday, Hope! 23 runs for 23 years.”
Gus Walz, 17
Tim and Gwen’s second little one, son Gus, was born on October 13, 2006.
Gus is at the moment a highschool scholar residing along with his mother and father in St. Paul, the state capital of Minnesota. He has been identified with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and an nervousness dysfunction—a subject the Walzes have been open about since sharing their journey with PEOPLE in August.
Gus gained consideration for his heartfelt assist through the Democratic National Convention, the place he was seen cheering on his dad with tears streaming down his face.
Over time, the Walz household has come to know that Gus’s NVLD, ADHD, and nervousness dysfunction form his distinctive method of interacting with the world. Tim and Gwen emphasize that they don’t view these circumstances as deficits however relatively as a part of what makes Gus distinctive—affectionately referring to them as his “secret energy.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nonverbal studying problems have an effect on how kids take up and make the most of info, however they are often managed with interventions that assist these affected be taught in several methods. “Non-verbal” on this context doesn’t imply “non-speaking.”
Individuals with NVLD usually excel in verbal abilities, equivalent to vocabulary and studying, however could battle with nonverbal cues, visual-spatial processing, motor abilities, and social interactions.
“When our youngest, Gus, was rising up, it grew to become more and more clear that he was completely different from his classmates,” the couple shared. “Gus most popular video video games and spent extra time by himself.”
“Like so many American households, it took us time to determine how to make sure we did every little thing potential to set Gus up for fulfillment as he grew,” they added.
Tim’s concentrate on insurance policies like gun legal guidelines has additionally been influenced by his kids, notably after Gus witnessed a capturing in St. Paul in January 2023. During the vice presidential debate, he briefly recounted this expertise whereas advocating for stricter gun legal guidelines, noting that his son was enjoying volleyball when a 16-year-old was shot exterior the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center.
Pets
Back in 2019, Minnesota welcomed a brand new first canine, a rescue Labrador combine named Scout, because of Gus.
“I’m excited to announce that Minnesota has a brand new First Dog! And extra importantly, I fulfilled my dedication to get my son a canine if I used to be elected Governor,” Tim wrote in an Instagram publish on September 5, 2019.
More not too long ago, in December 2023, the Walz household added one other four-legged member—a rescue cat named Honey, who’s orange and white.
“Say whats up to Honey! The latest member of the Walz household,” Tim wrote on X on December 20, 2023. “She’s a rescue pet and already has a couple of favourite spots: below the tree and proper on high of no matter I’m making an attempt to learn.”