Tim Walz's home state rally in Nebraska spotlights competitive state swing district

La Vista, Neb. - Democratic vice presidential pick and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz flexed his Midwestern roots during a rally in Nebraska on Saturday as Democrats attempt to court voters.

Less than two weeks after Democratic front runner Vice President Kamala Harris announced him as her vice presidential pick, Walz held the first solo rally of the presidential campaign in Nebraska near the state's competitive Second Congressional District surrounding Omaha, which both campaigns are eyeing to grab.

Walz is no stranger to the Cornhusker state. Before becoming the governor of Minnesota, he grew up in Nebraska, went to Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, served in the Nebraska Army National Guard, and met his wife, Gwen, while teaching in Alliance, Nebraska. On Saturday, he reminded rallygoers that he is the only candidate on both presidential tickets with those roots, making multiple references to Nebraska culture, from cinnamon rolls and chili to college football.

"Here in Nebraska we have a slogan: 'Nebraska, it's not for everyone.' Well it sure isn't for Donald Trump I'll tell you that," Walz said.

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Both campaigns are working to win the Second Congressional District as Harris and Walz are locked in a tight race with former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance in multiple swing states. According to recent polling, Harris is closing the lead that Trump had on Biden in July, bringing the Sun Belts back in play for Democrats and giving her more pathways to victory through Electoral College. Still, the singular vote in the ruby red state dubbed the "blue dot" after former President Barack Obama won it in 2008 and President Joe Biden won it in 2020, is not out of the question as an electoral tiebreaker.

During his speech, Walz fired shots in this political environment at Vance, who is scheduled to visit the district next Wednesday for a Republican fundraiser hosted by Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts.

"In Nebraska and in Minnesota, we don't a need Yale educated philosophy major," Walz said of Vance.

Other speakers included Nebraska State Sen. Tony Vargas who is challenging Rep. Don Bacon in an expectedly close race, and Preston Love Jr. who is running against Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts.

Walz is slated to deliver a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next Wednesday evening. He and Vance will debate each other on Oct. 3, on CBS.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tim Walz's home state rally in Nebraska spotlights competitive state swing district