‘That’s my dad!’: Tearful Gus Walz steals show as Tim Walz accepts VP nom

Tim Walz’s 17-year-old son was the unexpected star of Day 3 at the Democratic National Convention after his emotional reaction to his dad’s speech went viral.

“That’s my dad!” Gus Walz yelled with tears streaming down his face, pointing up at his father on stage.

The moment came about halfway through Tim’s speech, during which he accepted the vice-presidential nomination. The Minnesota governor spoke about his family and the journey he and his wife Gwen underwent to have their oldest child, who is now 23.

“It took Gwen and I years, but we had access to fertility treatments. And when our daughter was born, we named her Hope,” he said.

“Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you,” Tim said, prompting Gus to leap to his feet and clap, overcome with emotion.

Gus wept through much of his father’s speech, and when it was over, climbed on stage with his family and wrapped his dad in a tight bear hug, burying his face in his shoulder. The teen’s exuberance stole the show and captured hearts, not just in the crowded United Center full of Democrats, but online too.

“Tim Walz’s son just ripped my heart RIGHT OUT OF MY CHEST,” wrote one excited user on X (formerly Twitter).

“Tim Walz could’ve given a Gettysburg-level oration, and all people would remember is his son tearfully shouting ‘That’s my dad!'” wrote Bill Grueskin, the academic dean of Columbia Journalism School.

Tim and his wife Gwen Walz recently shared with People magazine that their son Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder. Having a non-verbal learning disorder doesn’t mean that Gus is non-verbal — it can even mean the opposite. People with non-verbal learning disorders often have little trouble understanding language, but