OMAHA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to visit Omaha this Saturday, just two weeks after being selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. The Harris campaign is expected to announce this stop in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd Congressional District, where both Democrats and Republicans have won electoral votes in recent elections.
Although specific details about the event haven’t been released, a message sent to Nebraska Democrats hinted at a Saturday rally featuring a special guest from the Harris-Walz campaign. Multiple sources suggest that guest will be Walz, who has deep ties to Nebraska. Jane Kleeb, the Nebraska Democratic Party chair, confirmed a visit but did not specify who would attend.
Walz, originally from Nebraska, has roots in several towns across the state. He grew up in Valentine, graduated from Butte High School, and earned his degree from Chadron State College. Before moving to Minnesota, Walz and his wife Gwen taught in Alliance, Nebraska, where he also coached sports and served in the Nebraska National Guard.
The visit coincides with efforts by the Nebraska Republican Party to bolster support for former President Donald Trump. The GOP recently opened a joint campaign office in Omaha as they target the same 2nd District, which plays a crucial role in close elections.
Nebraska, like Maine, awards electoral votes by congressional district rather than the winner-takes-all system used in most states. This method has become a focal point for both parties, as Republicans seek to change it to a winner-takes-all approach, a move they hope to push through in a potential special session later this year.
With the stakes high, political observers believe this weekend’s visit won’t be the last from either campaign. Both Harris and Trump are expected to focus heavily on this key district as the election approaches.