Who is Gwen Walz? What to know about the wife of Kamala Harris’ running mate [Video]

Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate, the buzz around Minnesota’s governor has been about his political image as a folksy “Midwestern Dad.”

But what about his “running mate?”

Gwen Walz currently serves as Minnesota’s 39th first lady and could become second lady of the United States if the Democratic ticket succeeds in securing the White House this November.

As an educator, activist, and someone who describes herself as one of her husband’s closest advisers during his time as a congressman and governor, she already has a reputation as someone familiar with politics and the spotlight.

MORE: Who is Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ VP pick?

Background, passions and career

Born in Glencoe, Minnesota, Walz, 58, and her three sisters, were raised by parents Val and Linn who worked as teachers and small business owners.

After attending Gustavus Adolphus College and Minnesota State University, she followed in her family’s footsteps and became a teacher …