CHICAGO — The Midwest has often been labeled as “flyover country” by coasters. However, at the moment, Chicago stands as the focal point of the political landscape in the Midwest.

At the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota’s governor and quintessential Midwestern father, Tim Walz, captivated the audience with the most significant speech of his career, receiving thunderous applause from delegates.

Among the loudest supporters were Minnesota’s delegates, donning Walz’s iconic red flannel shirts and camouflage-and-orange Harris-Walz baseball caps to showcase their state’s national representation.

As the Democratic influence increasingly centers around larger, coastal cities, progressive voices from the Midwest have felt alienated by the party’s leadership.

Yet, at the convention, the celebration of Walz’s rise to the presidential ticket has uplifted spirits among liberals in the heartland, reminding them that their party remains attentive to their needs.

“Kamala Harris made a strong statement to rural America by selecting Tim Walz, emphasizing the Midwest,” remarked Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.

In Iowa, where Democrats are still reeling from the national party’s decision to revoke the state’s longstanding first-in-the-nation status for its caucuses, state House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst expressed that Harris’ choice is reassuring those who fear the party is neglecting rural areas.

“Right after the announcement, my first thought was, ‘He’s such a fantastic choice, this is going to be incredible,’ and then, ‘This shows Democrats are still committed to the middle,’” Konfrst shared. “I’ve mentioned that many times this week. There’s a renewed sense of energy. We feel acknowledged.”

From football coach to geography teacher — possibly the next vice president

Walz, introduced to the crowd with John Mellencamp’s “Small Town,” accepted his party’s nomination for vice president with a speech filled with references to his small-town origins.

“Growing up in a place like that teaches you about caring for one another,” Walz remarked. “That family down the road might not share your beliefs or practices, but they’re still your neighbors.”

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Originating from West Point, Nebraska, Walz embodies the heartland’s language and culture, which Democrats believe feels genuine rather than forced.

“Those flannel shirts he wears are genuine, not something contrived by political advisors,” joked former Democratic President Barack Obama during his address. “They come right from his closet — and they carry stories.”

While Walz was not as widely recognized as other vice-presidential candidates, those familiar with him appreciate his rural background and his relatable “dad jokes.”

Beyond matching the wholesome Midwestern persona, Walz’s achievements as a proud gun owner, active union member, and advocate for veterans and agriculture resonate with many Midwestern voters.

At 17, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and began his career as a teacher before entering Congress in 2006, where he served on the Veteran’s Affairs and Agriculture committees.

Although he gained an ‘A’ rating from the National Rifle Association for years, his views on gun control evolved after several prominent mass shootings.

Walz strategically blends progressive ideas with counteracting stereotypes about Democrats, a potential political strength Harris hopes will attract not only party loyalists but also independents and disillusioned Republicans.

“For us Democrats, freedom means the opportunity to improve your life and the lives of those you care about,” he stated Wednesday night, reframing some of the terminology traditionally used by Republicans. “I understand guns well. I’ve served in the military, I’m a hunter, and I’ve bested most Republicans in Congress when it comes to shooting, with trophies to show for it. But as a dad, I know our priority must be keeping our children safe.”

Winning over rural America ‘requires prioritization’

Governor Kelly of Kansas addressed a gathering of rural Democrats at the party’s Rural Council meeting during the convention’s second day. She noted the frequent questions regarding how Democrats can succeed in rural areas, which often feel exhausting to her.

“If you listen to some media outlets, you might think we’re an endangered species to be studied like a rare artifact in a museum: the rural Democrat,” she remarked.

However, she insists there’s no magic formula.

“Democrats succeed in rural America when they demonstrate a genuine desire to win there,” she stated.

“America,” she noted, “is about making it a priority.”

Kenneth Koenig, a 68-year-old resident of Rockdale, Texas, proudly wore a camouflage “Harris-Walz” cap given to him by a friend during the convention.

He and his friend are dedicated to advocating progressive ideals in their small Texas town, believing that the cap — along with Walz joining the ticket — will encourage meaningful discussions. He feels that Democrats and Republicans can find common ground on pressing issues in rural America, such as the dwindling access to healthcare as rural medical facilities shut down.

Koenig volunteered to assist another local Democrat in holding up signs outside a Walmart to support Harris. Initially, he was skeptical about the effectiveness of this effort.

“I asked, ‘Do you really think this will change anyone’s mind?’” Koenig recalls. The response he received made a lasting impression: “‘I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind; I just want those who are inclined to vote for Harris to know that it’s okay, and that they won’t be judged by others for their choice.’”

Helping rural Democrats realize they’re not alone in their communities is a crucial step, Kelly explained.

“In recent years, many Democrats have felt more confident in being open about their beliefs — and they’ve seen that their visibility leads to victories,” she stated.

In 2022, Kansans made headlines by overwhelmingly rejecting a state constitutional amendment that sought to eliminate the right to an abortion, voting 61% against to 39% in favor.

“The outcome of the abortion vote was remarkable, revealing that neighbors share the same core values,” Kelly remarked. “Previously, issues were often labeled as red or blue. It became clear that this is not just a partisan issue; it’s about people’s lives, such as your daughter’s. People realized they are not alone.”

Rural Democrats refuse to fade into the background

Ashley Burns, a 31-year-old attendee from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, enjoys the humorous Walz memes as a way to address serious political issues. At a delegate breakfast, she wore a T-shirt with the hot pink slogan: “Tim Walz is my Midwest Princess.”

“He’s humorous, and he reminds me of my dad,” Burns shared. “Having someone relatable at the forefront is meaningful.”

The T-shirt references pop star Chappell Roan’s popular album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and has contributed to the growing meme culture surrounding the candidate.

“We’re successfully engaging with younger demographics in ways we hadn’t before,” Burns stated. “In 2016, while working for Hillary Clinton, it was challenging with many older women volunteers. Now, with groups like Swifties for Kamala, a diverse array of individuals is connecting with politics in fresh ways. They are making political engagement more appealing again.”

Isaac Winkler, the youngest delegate at this year’s DNC, celebrated his 18th birthday just three days before Election Day. He feels Walz’s presence symbolizes a refreshing authenticity that is rekindling the hope of younger voters for the party’s future.

“Tim Walz is genuine,” he expressed, “He truly is the person he projects himself as.”

According to Minnesota State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, Walz embodies the spirit of the Midwest.

“It’s all about neighborly kindness,” he shared with YSL News. “Tim Walz consistently demonstrates this approach in his public service, and it shines through tonight.”

While many Democrats celebrated the importance of rural America at the convention, others emphasized the need to maintain their influence within the party and ensure their voices are heard.

“We have plenty of reasons to be positive, and we will keep fighting,” said former North Dakota U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp during the party’s Rural Council meeting. “After this election, we refuse to retreat into the background of the Democratic Party.”

Brianne Pfannenstiel serves as the chief political reporter for the Des Moines Register and is covering the 2024 presidential race for YSL News as a senior national campaign correspondent. Contact her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter @brianneDMR.