Introducing the Walzes: Gwen, her husband, and their two children complete Minnesota's first family.

 Gwen Walz, the governor’s wife, is a former teacher who has actively advocated for criminal justice reform, education, and gun control during her husband’s tenure at the Capitol. Together, they have two children, Hope and Gus.

MINNEAPOLIS — On Wednesday night, Gus Walz, the son of Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, warmed the hearts of internet users with his touching and emotional response to his father's vice presidential nomination speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The 17-year-old high school senior, seated in the front row of Chicago's United Center alongside his 23-year-old sister Hope and mother Gwen, jumped up in tears during the speech, shouting, "That's my dad!"
Afterward, the Walz family took the stage, where Gus embraced his father with a bear hug.
On Thursday, Gus Walz continued to generate a significant wave of social media activity, with thousands praising him and his father for openly expressing their emotions, while many others actively defended the teen against cyberbullies.

His parents recently shared with People magazine that he is a "brilliant" young man whose "secret power" stems from his ability to navigate life with ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder.

Minnesota's senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar took to X, formerly Twitter, to celebrate the heartfelt moment witnessed on the global stage. 

"You know you’ve succeeded as a parent when your kids are as proud of you as Gus and Hope are of Tim Walz. 'That’s my dad.' No three words could better describe our next Vice President," Klobuchar expressed.

Shortly after the speech, Governor Walz shared a photo on social media of his family on stage, with Gus holding him closely.

"Hope, Gus, Gwen — you are my whole world," Governor Walz wrote. "I love you all so much."

Many others chimed in with heartfelt responses, relating to the Walz family dynamics.