Gov. Walz to Rally Young Voters at Michigan-Minnesota Football Game

Tim Walz, vice presidential nominee and former Minnesota high school football coach, is set to visit Ann Arbor, Michigan, on September 28, 2024. The governor's campaign stop will coincide with the University of Michigan vs. University of Minnesota football game, a rivalry that dates back to 1892.

Walz's visit aims to engage with students and emphasize the importance of voter registration and participation. This effort aligns with the campaign's strategy to mobilize young voters on college campuses, recognizing their potential impact on the upcoming election.

The choice of venue is significant, as the University of Michigan's football stadium, known as "The Big House," is the largest in the United States with a capacity of 107,601. This setting provides an ideal platform for Walz to connect with a large number of students.

Walz's background as an educator and coach plays a central role in his campaign messaging. Before entering politics, he taught high school geography and coached football at Mankato West High School, which has a strong athletic program with multiple state championships. This experience allows him to relate to young voters and emphasize the importance of civic engagement.

"As a former public school teacher, I know the critical role young voters will play in the election."

The campaign has been leveraging Walz's coaching experience, as evidenced by his introduction at the Democratic National Convention in August 2024 by a former student he coached in baseball and track. Walz was also joined on stage by some of his former football players from Mankato West High School.

Michigan's status as a key battleground state adds significance to Walz's visit. A recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll of likely voters in Michigan showed a close race between presidential candidates, with only a 3% difference within the margin of error.

Walz's campaign strategy includes addressing progressive issues. At a recent Human Rights Campaign national dinner, he highlighted his role as a Gay-Straight Alliance club adviser while coaching football, emphasizing the importance of allyship. This stance reflects the growing prominence of LGBTQ+ issues in political discourse since the 2010s.

The vice presidential nominee's visit to Ann Arbor is part of a broader effort to connect with young voters across key states. Walz has previously met with college students in Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia. This focus on youth engagement is crucial, as voter turnout among young adults (ages 18-29) has historically been lower than other age groups in U.S. elections.

As the campaign progresses, Walz continues to draw on his diverse background, from his service in the United States Army National Guard to his time as a U.S. Representative and now as the 41st Governor of Minnesota. His ability to connect with various demographics may prove valuable in swing states like Michigan, which has voted for the winning presidential candidate in most elections since 1972.

The upcoming football game between the University of Michigan, founded in 1817, and the University of Minnesota, established in 1851, provides a fitting backdrop for Walz's campaign efforts. As the teams compete for the Little Brown Jug trophy, Walz will be working to secure the support of young voters in a state that has been pivotal in recent elections.