Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz celebrates with his daughter Hope Walz (L), son Gus Walz (2nd-L), and wife Gwen Walz (R) after accepting the Democratic vice presidential nomination on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 21, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are in Chicago for the convention, concluding with current Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party's presidential nomination. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Tim Walz's teenage son, Gus, couldn't contain his tears after spotting his dad at the DNC

After Tim Walz concluded his speech, Gus climbed on stage with his oldest sister and mom

Senior Writer

AUGUST 22, 2024 11:20 AM EDTAUG 22, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's teenage son, Gus Walz, had gone viral during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago when his dad took the stage to accept the vice presidential nomination.

Seventeen-year-old Gus, who, per CBS News, is neurodivergent and has ADHD, couldn't contain his tears or pride after spotting Governor Walz. "That's my dad!" he yelled, tears streaming down his face.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's son Gus, back center, cries during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Gus's exuberance melted hearts, with many pointing out how Vice President Kamala Harris did a great job appointing Tim as her running mate, mainly because of his down-to-earth, family-man, and family-man appeal. After Tim Walz concluded his speech, Gus climbed on stage with his oldest sister, Hope Walz, and mom, Gwen Walz.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his son Gus embrace. At the same time, his wife Gwen, right, and daughter Hope, left, look on during the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago, IL. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Who is Gus Walz?

Gus is a high school senior with a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder. During an interview with People, his parents described his condition as a "secret power" and emphasized his brilliance and potential for success.

According to the publication, Gus was thrilled when Tim Walz was elected governor because he could finally get a dog. The Walz family then adopted a black labrador named Scout.

Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) and his son Gus Walz celebrate while entering his election night party on August 14, 2018, in St Paul, Minnesota. Walz won the night's primary and will be the DFL candidate for Governor in the general election. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Tim Walz is a family man

In the same interview, Tim sent a message to his loved ones. "Hope, Gus and Gwen," Walz said to his family, "you are my entire world, and I love you."

Tim, who is serving his second term as governor, served 12 years as a U.S. congressman. When Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate, she described him as "a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team."

The DNC

The Democratic National Convention has been fun to watch and listen to! On August 20, delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters gathered in Chicago to vote during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States and officially announce the current Vice President as the party's presidential nominee.

An absolute highlight of the night was how each state was introduced with a representative "walk-up" song. While the Obamas and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders speeches went viral on social media, many are now adding oldie but goodie tunes to their Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, or Apple Music accounts. The Democratic National Convention turned into a dance party when DJ Cassidy, wearing a bright blue double-breasted suit, took the stage to hit it with representative tracks for every state.

Members of the Puerto Rico delegation cast their votes during the Ceremonial Roll Call of States on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

While New Jersey got Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." as its soundtrack and Minnesota's "1999" by Prince, Latinos rejoiced when Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's breaking-record song "Despacito," was used to introduce members of the Puerto Rico delegation.