EAGAN, Minnesota — Hundreds of supporters, many sporting camouflage hats and plaid shirts, gathered to welcome Tim Walz back home on Friday after the Minnesota governor and Kamala Harris faced defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to Vice President Kamala Harris for her belief in me, and for the inspiring campaign she ran,” Walz told a tearful crowd at Eagan High School in Eagan, Minnesota.

Walz and Harris suffered a significant loss on Tuesday to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Although the Democratic ticket won Walz’s home state by slightly over four points, they failed to capture any of the crucial battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which were seen as essential for their campaign.

“Losing is tough,” Walz reflected. “It’s difficult to comprehend why many of our fellow Americans, whom we have fought for, opted for a different path. It’s hard to face what that alternate path may mean for the next four years.”

Harris acknowledged Trump’s victory on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., addressing a somber gathering at her alma mater, Howard University.

Walz, who previously was a geography teacher and high school football coach, emphasized his background in education during his campaign. Dubbed “Coach Walz,” Harris’ team sought to connect with moderate voters through his Midwestern roots, but this approach fell short.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ to Minnesota for allowing me to share such an incredible story with our fellow Americans in other states,” Walz expressed on Friday.

Walz, aged 60, continues his second term as governor until 2027. While he hasn’t announced plans for a third term, he assured the attending crowd—waving American flags and chanting his name—that he would “keep working to make Minnesota a model for the rest of this great nation.”

“I have a deep love for this state. I am passionate about my job,” Walz stated. “And I’m not finished fighting for Minnesota. Not by a long shot.”