In an unexpected turn of events, Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, made his debut as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate during a rally in Philadelphia. But behind this sudden rise to the national stage lies a small-town Nebraska upbringing that has shaped Walz into the person he is today.

Growing up in the scenic Sandhills of north-central Nebraska, Walz's family faced challenging times when his father, who served as the school superintendent in Valentine, Nebraska, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Seeking support from relatives in the town of Butte, the Walz family made a move that would forever shape Tim's trajectory.

For those who knew him during his time in Nebraska, Walz was seen as a promising young man. With a talent for sports and a strong work ethic, he excelled in football and earned respect both on and off the field. His uncle Jerome Reiman, an 84-year-old retired farmer, shared his surprise at seeing Walz on the national stage, highlighting his quiet, curious nature and grounded values rooted in small-town Nebraska.

The Harris-Walz campaign sees incredible value in the governor's Nebraska roots, reaching out to rural voters by emphasizing the values he learned in the Cornhusker State. These values include hard work, caring for neighbors, and maintaining positive relationships with individuals who may have different beliefs or economic backgrounds.

Walz's high school classmates and old friends have been reminiscing about their shared experiences, pulling out yearbooks, sharing newspaper clippings, and posting stories about the former teacher on social media platforms. Scott Humpal, one of the 24 students who graduated with Walz from Butte High School in 1982, recalls the diverse friendships they formed despite their differences in financial circumstances. This ability to connect with people from all walks of life resonates with the small-town Nebraska community.

In Butte and other rural communities, where conservative values prevail, opinions on Walz's political platform vary. While many Trump supporters are hesitant to vote for him, they take pride in seeing a hometown figure representing them on the national stage. They hope that Walz's presence will give a voice to small-town America, often overlooked in the political landscape.

Surprisingly, some longtime Republicans who know Walz's family are contemplating voting for him this year. Dick Jeffers, who served on the school board while Walz's father was superintendent in Valentine, describes the governor as a "copyright" of his dad, applauding his straightforward approach and genuine decision-making.

Even Dorothy Boes, a 77-year-old retired special education teacher and lifelong Republican, has found herself considering voting for a Harris-Walz ticket. While political conversations are often avoided in small-town Nebraska, Boes admires the decency and authenticity of the Walz family and is weary of the constant political fighting.

Tim Walz's Nebraska roots run deep, shaped by the close-knit community of Valentine and the surrounding Sandhills region. From his humble beginnings to his current position in Minnesota politics, he carries with him the values of hard work, kindness towards others, and the ability to bridge divides. As he takes on the national stage, Walz's Nebraska upbringing continues to be a defining aspect of his character and may play a role in influencing voters across the country.