Tim Walz Returns Home for Battle Over Key Nebraska Electoral Vote

Thousands of Nebraskans are expected to gather this Saturday to welcome Tim Walz back to his home state, marking his first visit since being named the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Walz, who hails from the small towns of Valentine and Butte in the Sandhills, is viewed as a key figure who can help the Democratic Party connect with rural voters. His background may offer a unique advantage in winning over constituents in areas that traditionally lean Republican.

His appearance in Omaha highlights the campaign’s determination to secure the sole electoral vote tied to the competitive 2nd Congressional District. Joe Biden managed to capture this district in the 2020 election, and Barack Obama had similar success in 2008. Meanwhile, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is slated to visit Omaha next week for a private fundraiser hosted by Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts.

Wes Jensen, a teacher from Omaha, lauded the significance of the 2nd Congressional District, stating, “I think it just proves the importance that we as the blue dot — CD2 — have.”

Former state senator Al Davis, who previously represented Alliance, where Walz worked as a teacher, expressed confidence in Walz’s ability to resonate with rural voters. Davis believes that Walz’s unique understanding of rural issues may sway voter sentiments in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest.

Residents in Alliance are organizing a local event next week to watch Walz speak during the Democratic convention in Chicago. This illustrates the excitement surrounding Walz’s campaign back in his home territory.

Bill McCamley, who attended seventh-grade social studies classes taught by Walz in Valentine, reminisced about Walz’s early passion for civic engagement. “He was interested in government long before his tenure as governor,” said McCamley, who never imagined Walz would rise to such prominent positions.

McCamley shared a fond memory of Walz’s initiative to build a veterans memorial for military personnel from Cherry County when they were in seventh grade. Walz was able to persuade local leaders to support the project, demonstrating leadership qualities even at a young age.

“I went with him, but he did the job,” McCamley recalled. “He talked to them and said this is that idea. This is what I want to do.” McCamley admired Walz’s impressive ability to mobilize support for the memorial, highlighting his leadership skills even back then.

As anticipation for the rally grew, McCamley encountered challenges securing access due to overwhelming interest. The online registration system was closed once 10,000 individuals showed interest in attending. The venue for the event is a theater in La Vista, just outside Omaha, which accommodates roughly 2,500 people.

Hoping to reconnect with his former student, McCamley jokingly mentioned wanting to confront Walz about a valentine he once gave to his daughter, Julie Long. Long humorously recounted that she cherished the valentine for many years because it contained a playful message about their “strange and wonderful relationship.”

Though Long has lost touch with Walz aside from occasional chance encounters, she has followed his rise in politics, particularly during his tenure as governor and his response to significant issues such as the fallout from George Floyd’s tragic death.

Long noted that Walz’s accomplishments, particularly his advocacy for pressing Democratic priorities like abortion rights and school food programs, could help him appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, including Republicans. “I think if people are willing to listen — really listen — to the things that he says, there’s a chance for connection,” she said.

Long, who now resides in Hot Springs, South Dakota, will not be able to attend the rally, but she expressed optimism about Walz’s potential to open doors to dialogue and understanding across party lines.