Gus Walz had a front-row seat to the most important moment in his father’s life, and his pride was palpable.
“That’s my dad!” the 17-year-old screamed. He stood up, tears streaming down his face, and pointed at his father, Tim Walzthe governor of Minnesota, who was accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president in a speech to thousands of people in a packed hall and millions of people watching at home.
The teen’s exuberance captured hearts and went viral, becoming perhaps the defining image of his father’s speech and adding an extra human touch to Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice of running mate, in no small part because of his appeal to the common man.
Gus cried through much of his father’s speech and when it was over, he climbed up on stage with his family and hugged his father tightly, burying his face in his shoulder.
Gus is a senior in high school. His parents recently revealed to People magazine that he has a nonverbal learning disability, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder. But they called his condition “his secret power” and said he is “brilliant” and poised for success. He got his driver’s license last fall.
When Tim Walz was elected governor, Gus cheered because it meant he could get a dog. A few months later, they adopted a black Labrador named Scout.
Gus Walz is also getting his own place in the spotlight after his older sister, 23-year-old Hope Walz, thrilled Americans with the playful social media videos she filmed with their father.
Tim Walz often talks about the fertility treatments his wife, Gwen, underwent to conceive Hope, a journey he credits with inspiring her name. As he told the story Wednesday, Hope made a heart shape with her hands and held it to her chest.
“Gwen,” Walz told his wife, “you are my whole world and I love you.”