All About Tim Walz's Son, Gus Walz

Mar. 15, 2025

Tim Walz and his son Gus during the Democratic National Convention on August 21, 2024.Photo:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty

Tim Walzis a proud father of two children, including his son, Gus.

The Minnesota governor andhis wife, Gwen Walz, welcomed their elder child, Hope, in January 2001. Five years later, they expanded their family with the birth of Gus in October 2006.

During Tim’s speech at the DNC on Aug. 21, 2024, Gus could be seencheering for his father in the stands, even getting emotional as the governor accepted the vice presidential nomination.

“Hope, Gus, and Gwen you are my entire world, and I love you,” Tim said in his speech.

As a teenager, Gus was diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and anxiety — all of which Tim and Gwen called his “secret power” in an exclusive August 2024 statement to PEOPLE.

“We love our Gus,” they told PEOPLE. “We are proud of the man he’s growing into, and we are so excited to have him with us on this journey.”

From how he’s supported his father on his campaign journey so far to what makes Tim most proud of Gus, here’s everything to know about Tim Walz’s son, Gus.

He was born in 2006

Tim Walz gave a hug to his son Gus during a birthday party for his daughter Hope, Sunday, January 6, 2019 at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via Getty

Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via Getty

Tim and Gwen welcomed Gus on Oct. 13, 2006, five years after their daughter, Hope. Throughout his political journey, Tim has been open about his and Gwen’s struggles with infertility.

During his speech at the DNC, Tim reflected on the “absolute agony” of the seven years of fertility treatments for him and Gwen to conceive Hope.

“If you’ve never experienced the hell that is infertility, I can guarantee you, you know somebody who has,” Tim said.

Tim promised Gus he would get him a dog if he won the 2018 gubernatorial election

Gus Walz, Gwen Walz and Tim Walz with their dog Scout.Courtesy of the Family of Governor Walz

Courtesy of the Family of Governor Walz

Before Tim became governor of Minnesota, he made Gus an off-handed promise that if he won the race, they could get a dog.

“I think it was March of ‘17, and Gus said he’d always wanted a dog,” TimtoldThe Minnesota Star Tribunein September 2019. “And I said, ‘Well, Gus, if we win that governor’s race, we’ll get a dog.’ "

The following year, Tim did win the election — and Gus reminded his father of their deal. Tim joked to the outlet that Gus never brought up the dog after their initial conversation, but it was the first thing he said after he learned of his father’s win.

In September 2019, the Walz family adopted their Labrador mix, who Gus named Scout.

“Everybody’s thrilled. Well, I shouldn’t say everybody,” the governor said. “Gus’ sister Hope said it took two days to replace her — she went to university and we replaced her with a puppy.”

Gus was diagnosed with a learning disorder as a teenager

Tim Walz with his son Gus.Courtesy of the Family of Governor Walz

When Gus was a child, Tim and Gwen noticed his unique personality and how he differed from his peers.

When he was a teenager, Gus was diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder as well as anxiety and ADHD. In this case, “non-verbal” is not the same as “non-speaking.”

Tim and Gwen shared that it took time for the family to best figure out how to help Gus and set him up for success, but they added that over time, they realized his diagnoses were not a hindrance to his growth.

“It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power,” they said.

He got his driver’s license when he turned 17

Tim Walz celebrating his son getting his driver’s license in Gus in October 2023.Tim Walz/Instagram

Tim Walz/Instagram

Two weeks after his 17th birthday in October 2023, Gus passed a milestone: he earned his driver’s license.

Tim commemorated the special moment onInstagramalongside a photo of him in the passenger seat as Gus drove.

“My son Gus just passed his (what do you call it? A drivers license exam?). Proud dad moment,” he wrote in the caption.

Gus is a senior in high school

While Hope graduated from Mankato West High School — in the town where the Walzes lived before Tim became governor — Gus attends Central High School in St. Paul, Minn.

During avice presidential debatein October 2024, Tim spoke about enacting stricter gun laws, recalling the time Gus witnessed a shooting near his high school. In January 2023, a 16 year old wasshot outside of the Jimmy Lee Recreation Centerwhere Gus was playing volleyball.

According to David Albornoz, St. Paul Parks aquatics supervisor and coach, Gus “helped keep everyone safe and calm, looking after the kids in the gym with us as I rushed out.”

He was rooting for his dad at the DNC

Gus Walz cheering Tim Walz on the third day of the Democratic National Convention.CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty

On Aug. 21, 2024, Tim took the stage at the DNC to give a speech about his and Harris' platform. In it, he spoke of his family and his dedication to them.

When the camera panned to Gus in the crowd, he could be seen getting emotional, crying and yelling “That’s my dad!” as he stood up to give him a standing ovation.

Tim then beckoned his family to join him on stage, where Gus enveloped him in a big hug and took a bow alongside his mother and sister.

source: people.com