Tim Walz’s Daughter Hope, 23, Takes PEOPLE Behind the Scenes of Her New Life: See Her Photo and Video Diary (Exclusive)

The Walz family entered the national spotlight almost overnight in August, leading Hope to throw some essentials in a paper bag and hit the campaign trail at a moment's notice. Now, she's debriefing the experience

Hope Walz photo diary
Hope Walz in a disposable camera photo at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where her dad accepted the VP nomination. Photo:

The Harris-Walz Campaign

Hope Walz's life changed overnight when her father, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was named Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in an election cycle that nobody could have predicted.

The first daughter of Minnesota, 23, has been a familiar face in the Land of 10,000 Lakes since Tim was elected governor in 2018 — but national recognition is a whole different game.

Within hours of learning that her father had been chosen as the Democratic vice presidential candidate on Aug. 6, Hope and her 18-year-old brother, Gus, found themselves in a packed Philadelphia arena watching thousands of people chant their family name.

After nearly three months in the spotlight, Hope brings PEOPLE behind the scenes of her family's whirlwind journey, with a video blog showing a day in the life of a VP candidate's daughter and a photo diary of her most memorable moments on the campaign trail so far.

Below, a look inside her new world, told in her words.

01 of 08

A Day in the Life

02 of 08

August 8 - Phoenix, Arizona

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

This photo was taken from my dad’s first week on the ticket. I’m a huge fan of sunsets so this photo is special to me. I was also carrying all of my stuff around in a brown paper bag because it was the only thing I could find given the fact that everything happened so suddenly.

03 of 08

August 19 - Chicago, Illinois

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

The DNC was such a special experience — and I got to capture some of it on a disposable camera. On day 1, both the Vice President’s and my family watched President Joe Biden speak. Whenever I get to say hi to MVP, I geek out a little bit! It has been an honor to do everything I can to get her elected as the next President of the United States.

04 of 08

September 28 - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

My dad and I cheering on the Minnesota Gophers against Michigan at the Big House this fall. He would describe the experience as a “religious” one, being a former coach and huge football fan.

05 of 08

September 30 - Harbor Springs, Michigan

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

My mom makes the best ginger snap cookies – they are her great-grandma’s recipe! She brings them to field offices to thank volunteers. We got to try a couple before she packed them up.

06 of 08

October 11 - Macomb County, Michigan

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

My dad and I speaking with local leaders in Michigan. My favorite part of this whole experience has been getting to meet fellow Americans across the country and hearing their stories!

07 of 08

October 25 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

Football or cake? This one was cake! My dad and the staff got to enjoy it on the plane after the event!

08 of 08

October 26 - Window Rock, Arizona, in Navajo Nation

Hope Walz photo diary

The Harris-Walz Campaign

My first time riding in a prop plane. We were headed to Window Rock Arizona to rally with Tribal Leaders and their members. It has been amazing to see the beauty this country has to offer!

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