DNC 2024: Gus Walz Tearfully Applauds As Father Accepts Vice Presidential Nomination

Gus Walz sat front row for the biggest moment of his father’s life, and his pride exploded inside him.

“That’s my father!” the 17-year-old yelled. He stood up, tears in his eyes, and pointed at his father: Tim Walzthe governor of Minnesota, who was accept the Democratic nomination for vice president in a speech to thousands in a packed auditorium and millions more watching at home.

The teenager’s exuberance captured hearts and went viral, becoming perhaps the defining image of his father’s speech and further humanizing a running mate chosen by Vice President Kamala Harris largely for his general appeal.

Gus cried through much of his father’s speech, and when he finished, he walked up on stage with his family and wrapped his father in a tight hug, 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’s “brilliant” and ready to succeed. He got his driver’s license last fall.

When Tim Walz was elected governor, Gus was delighted because it meant he could have a dog. They adopted a black Labrador named Scout a few months later.

Gus Walz is getting his turn in the spotlight after his older sister, Hope Walz, 23, wowed Americans with fun social networks videos she filmed with their father.

Tim Walz often talks about the fertility treatments his wife, Gwen, underwent to get pregnant with Hope, a journey he says inspired her name. As he recounted Wednesday, Hope made a heart with her hands and held it to her chest.

“Hope, Gus and Gwen,” Walz told his family, “you are my whole world and I love you.”