Thousands of Nebraskans are expected to turn out on Saturday to welcome Tim Walz back to his home state as the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Walz, who grew up in the small towns of Valentine and Butte in the Sandhills, is seen as an important figure in the Democratic campaign to appeal to conservative Republican strongholds.

Walz’s rural roots and upbringing in Nebraska are expected to resonate with voters in traditionally Republican areas where Democrats have struggled to compete in recent elections. His visit to Omaha also underscores the campaign’s focus on securing the swing 2nd Congressional District’s single electoral vote, which has been a battleground in past elections.

Supporters believe that Walz’s ability to connect with rural communities could sway voters in Nebraska and across the Midwest. Former state Sen. Al Davis praised Walz’s unique ability to engage with rural voters, citing his experience as a teacher in Alliance as evidence of his commitment to grassroots issues.

Alliance residents are planning a local rally to watch Walz speak at the Democratic convention in Chicago, highlighting the enthusiasm for his candidacy in Nebraska. Bill McCamley, a former student of Walz, recalled his teacher’s early interest in public service and his efforts to memorialize local veterans.

Despite the overwhelming response to Saturday’s rally in La Vista, McCamley remains eager to reconnect with Walz and share fond memories of their time together. Julie Long, McCamley’s daughter and Walz’s former classmate, reminisced about their playful rivalry and shared a humorous anecdote from their school days.

Long praised Walz’s leadership as governor of Minnesota, citing his handling of challenging situations like the George Floyd protests. She believes that Walz’s accomplishments and character will resonate with both Democratic and Republican voters, emphasizing his intelligence, humor, and compassion.