Tim Walz, Chappell Roan, and the Camo Hat: Explained

Mere weeks ago, you wouldn’t have thought to mention Tim Walz and Chappell Roan in the same breath. But these are no ordinary times.

In an unexpected twist, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has emerged as a surprising name in pop culture alongside Chappell Roan, a rising pop star, and her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. This quirky connection has been making waves online, and much like Vice President Kamala Harris becoming a part of the zeitgeist through Charli XCX’s album brat, Walz now finds himself somewhat humorously linked to Roan.

So, how did this unusual pairing come about? It’s a tale perfectly tailored for the internet era, complete with camo hats and Midwestern charm. This story encapsulates the current dynamic energy of the Harris/Walz campaign, showcasing its knack for embracing viral trends. Here’s the skinny on how it all unfolded.

Following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been affectionately dubbed a “Midwest Princess” by fans of Chappell Roan. The unexpected title, often accompanied by the image of Walz in a camo hat, has captured the imagination of people online.

It’s understandable if you’re puzzled by the whole situation, considering that neither Roan nor Walz were exactly household names just six months ago.

But their simultaneous rise to prominence isn’t their only connection. Both individuals hail from small towns and lack industry ties, embodying the quintessential Midwestern grind. Walz was born in Nebraska and has spent most of his life in a small Minnesota town. Meanwhile, Roan was born and raised in a tiny Missouri town.

They wear their Midwestern heritage proudly. Roan’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in 2023, explores themes such as her conservative Christian upbringing, her move to Los Angeles to pursue an artistic career, and her journey with her queer identity.

She mentioned to Variety last year that her Midwestern roots heavily influence her work. “I knew I needed to put the Midwest in there just because it’s so important to my project,” Roan explained. Following the release of her album, she has enjoyed a steadily growing fanbase, culminating in a record-breaking crowd at Chicago’s Lollapalooza.

On the other hand, Walz, who is running a Midwest state, personifies a certain homespun heartland charm. From his pristine white sneakers to his endearing videos with his daughter Hope, and his approachable persona, Walz is often seen as the archetype of “Midwestern nice.”