Tim Walz: the story of a father of two children with special needs

Tim Walz — a proud father of two children — a daughter and a son.

The Governor of Minnesota, who was chosen as the vice-presidential candidate by Kamala Harris, married his wife, Gwen Walz, in 1994, before welcoming their children in 2001 and 2006. Walz openly spoke about his family in interviews, especially recalling his and Gwen’s seven-year journey with IVF before having children. This experience influenced his policies as governor. During the vice-presidential debates, Walz stated, «IVF is why I have a child», - discussing reproductive rights.

Walz occasionally shares photos and accolades of his children on social media and often discusses his family during campaigns with his running mate. He has also appeared in several viral videos with his daughter.

Here’s everything you need to know about Hope and Gus.

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

In an interview with the Star Tribune, Tim explained that they chose the name «Hope» to reflect their journey through IVF. After seven years of trying to conceive, he recalled the joyful moment when Gwen announced she was pregnant.

«I said, 'Not again'», - Tim remembered. «She said, 'No, I’m pregnant.' It’s no accident that we named our daughter Hope». In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Tim paid tribute to his family, saying, «It took Gwen and me many years, but we had access to IVF. When our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my whole world, and I love you».

An active father, he often shares moments with his eldest daughter on social media. He congratulated Hope on National Daughters Day in 2023 in a touching Instagram post: «I have the best daughter a dad could ask for. Happy National Daughters Day».

He also celebrated his daughter’s 23rd birthday earlier this year, posting a photo on Instagram of Hope posing in front of mountain slopes, writing, «Happy birthday, Hope! 23 runs for 23 years».

Tim and Gwen’s second child, son Gus, was born on October 13, 2006.

Gus is currently attending high school and lives with his parents in St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota. He has been diagnosed with nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety disorder — a topic the Walzes openly discussed, sharing their journey with PEOPLE in August.

Gus drew attention with his sincere support at the Democratic National Convention, where he was seen applauding his father with tears in his eyes.

Over time, the Walz family came to understand that Gus’s NVLD, ADHD, and anxiety disorder shape his unique way of interacting with the world. Tim and Gwen emphasize that they do not see these conditions as shortcomings, but rather as part of what makes Gus exceptional, affectionately calling them his «secret power».

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nonverbal learning disorders affect how children perceive and use information, but they can be managed with interventions that help these individuals learn differently. «Nonverbal» in this context does not mean «non-speaking».

People with NVLD often excel in verbal skills such as vocabulary and reading but may struggle with nonverbal cues, visual-spatial processing, motor skills, and social interactions.

«When our youngest, Gus, was little, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his peers», - the couple shared. «Gus preferred video games and spent more time alone».

«Like many American families, it took us time to understand how to provide everything possible for Gus to thrive successfully», - they added.

Tim’s focus on policies such as gun laws was also influenced by his children, especially after Gus witnessed an event