Tim Walz is a proud father of two youngsters—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 youngsters in 2001 and 2006. Walz has been open about his household in interviews, significantly recounting his and Gwen’s seven-year IVF journey earlier than they have been capable of have youngsters. This expertise has influenced his insurance policies as governor. During the vice presidential debate, Walz acknowledged, “Infertility treatments are why I have a child,” whereas discussing reproductive rights.

Walz sometimes shares pictures and tributes to his children on social media and regularly discusses his household throughout campaigns along with his operating mate. He has additionally appeared in a number of viral movies along with his daughter.

Here’s the whole lot it’s essential learn about Hope and Gus.

Hope Walz, 23

Tim and Gwen’s first youngster, daughter Hope, was born on January 9, 2001.

In an interview with the Star Tribune, Tim defined that they selected the title “Hope” to mirror their journey by way of IVF. After seven years of making an attempt to conceive, he recalled the joyous second when Gwen revealed she was pregnant.

“I said, ‘Not again,’” Tim remembered. “She said, ‘No, I’m pregnant.’ It’s not by chance 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, but we had access to fertility treatments. When our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you.”

The energetic father typically shares moments along with his firstborn on social media. He celebrated Hope on National Daughter’s Day in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram put up: “I have the best daughter a dad could possibly ask for. Happy National Daughter’s Day.”

He additionally marked his daughter’s twenty third birthday earlier this yr 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 youngster, son Gus, was born on October 13, 2006.

Gus is at the moment a highschool pupil dwelling 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 help in the course of 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 grasp 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 situations as deficits however moderately as a part of what makes Gus distinctive—affectionately referring to them as his “secret power.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nonverbal studying problems have an effect on how youngsters take up and make the most of data, however they are often managed with interventions that assist these affected be taught in numerous methods. “Non-verbal” on this context doesn’t imply “non-speaking.”

Individuals with NVLD typically excel in verbal abilities, corresponding to vocabulary and studying, however could wrestle with nonverbal cues, visual-spatial processing, motor abilities, and social interactions.

“When our youngest, Gus, was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” the couple shared. “Gus preferred video games and spent more time by himself.”

“Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to ensure we did everything possible to set Gus up for success as he grew,” they added.

Tim’s give attention to insurance policies like gun legal guidelines has additionally been influenced by his youngsters, significantly after Gus witnessed a taking pictures 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 new First Dog! And more importantly, I fulfilled my commitment to get my son a dog if I was elected Governor,” Tim wrote in an Instagram put up 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 hello to Honey! The newest member of the Walz family,” Tim wrote on X on December 20, 2023. “She’s a rescue pet and already has a few favorite spots: under the tree and right on top of whatever I’m trying to read.”