<p class="ingestion featured-caption">Tim Walz held a pig at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair.Office of Gov. Tim Walz & Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate.</li><li>Walz comes from a rural background and has the vibe of a quintessential Midwestern dad.</li></ul><p>Minnesota Gov. <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-vice-president-tim-walz-career-facts-2024-8">Tim Walz</a>'s Midwestern lore runs deep.</p><p>Now a household name as <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-walz-coach-kamala-harris-first-rally-2024-8">Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 running mate</a>, anecdotes from his years as a veteran, teacher, football coach, congressman, and governor continue to emerge and solidify his image as a quintessential Midwestern dad.</p><p>Walz's rural background and folksy charm don't just make for amusing stories — they've added momentum to Harris' campaign. A <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/harris-walz-camo-hat-gen-z-marketing-genius-2024-8">camouflage "Harris Walz" hat</a> inspired by Walz's wardrobe staple sold out in minutes and raised nearly $1 million for Harris' campaign, <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/why-the-harris-walz-camo-hat-is-becoming-a-status-symbol-for-liberals">Teen Vogue</a> reported on Wednesday. His tactic of calling Donald Trump and JD Vance "weird" has also shifted the tone of the Democratic party's messaging around their opponents.</p><p>From winning hotdish competitions to shopping at Menards, here are some of Walz's most Midwestern moments.</p>