Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz to hold Omaha rally Saturday

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick, will hold a campaign rally in his home state of Nebraska on Saturday, just across the Iowa border in Omaha.

The rally was announced via text to Democratic supporters Wednesday afternoon.

"We are excited to invite you to a rally with Governor Tim Walz on Saturday, August 17," the text said. The rally comes just two days before Monday's opening of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Walz, governor of Minnesota since 2019, was announced as Harris' vice presidential selection during a Pennsylvania rally on Aug. 6 .

How can I register for the Omaha rally?

The rally's time is listed from noon to 4 p.m. CDT on the Nebraska Democratic Party website, but its exact location has yet to be released.

If you plan to attend the Omaha rally, you can RSVP at the party website, https://www.mobilize.us/2024nevictory/event/668499/

RSVPing for the rally is required for admittance but will not guarantee admission, the website says.

According to the event description, instructions for attending the rally will be released via email before the rally.

What are Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's Nebraska ties?

Walz, 60, was born in West Point, Nebraska, and grew up in Valentine, Nebraska. He joined the National Guard at 17 and served for 24 years. He earned a social science degree at Nebraska's Chadron State College in 1989 and became a teacher and coach. He and his wife, Gwen, moved to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1996.

Other than the home state tie, why would a Democratic vice presidential candidate campaign in Nebraska?

Although Nebraska is a Republican dominated state, it offers an Electoral College lure.

Nebraska is one of two states, the other being Maine, that splits its electoral votes by congressional districts.

Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District includes Omaha. The Kearney Hub reported Wednesday that "the Omaha-centered district has twice provided a vote for the Democratic Party ticket."

Nebraska CBS station KOLN described the district as a " blue dot " in an otherwise red state. President Joe Biden won the district in 2020, but former President Donald Trump won it in 2016.

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Minnesota governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz to hold Omaha rally Saturday