'We're not going back': Gov. Tim Walz steps into the spotlight at the DNC

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for vice president Wednesday night, delivering a speech to the nation that introduced himself and his vision for America.

On stage before a packed crowd of more than 20,000 at the United Center in Chicago, Walz shared his life story beginning with his childhood in small town Nebraska.

“Growing up in a small town like that [Butte], you learn how to take care of each other,” Walz said. “That family down the road – they may not think like you do, they may not pray like you do, they may not love like you do, but they’re your neighbors and you look out for them and they look out for you. Everybody belongs.”

Tracing his humble beginnings, Walz spoke about joining the National Guard two days after his 17th birthday. Both Walz and his father attended college on the G.I. bill.

Wednesday's speech frequently highlighted Walz's time as a public school teacher and coach at Mankato West High School.

Without any previous political experience, Walz, then still a teacher, ran for Congress and flipped his southern Minnesota district blue.

"Never underestimate a public school teacher," Walz said Wednesday to the cheering crowd.

Walz was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018, after 12 years serving Minnesota's 1st District in Congress.

In his speech to the nation, Walz touted Minnesota's middle-class tax cuts, paid family and medical leave, affordable housing investments, reproductive freedom, free school meals and other Democratic priorities he's signed into law.

“While other states were banning books from their schools, we were banishing hunger from ours," he said.

Centering his address on freedom, Walz also drew contrast between Democrats and the Republicans.

“When Republicans use the word freedom, they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office, corporations free to pollute your air and water, and banks free to take advantage of customers," he said.

He continued: “But when we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people that you love."

Walz had a particularly poignant moment as he addressed wife Gwen and their children Hope and Gus, saying: "Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you."

Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak Thursday at the DNC.

“We’re not going back," Walz said. "We’ve got something better to offer the American people. It starts with our candidate, Kamala Harris."