Today, the Idaho Democratic Party announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will deliver keynote remarks at the Frank & Bethine Church Gala on Saturday, March 7 in Boise.
“The federal government is weaponizing its power, ignoring court orders, and acting outside the Constitution. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has pushed back, demanded accountability, and stood with communities after federal actions led to deadly consequences. Here in Idaho, too many Republican leaders have catered to Trump’s economy-crushing whims and ignored his lawlessness. The Frank & Bethine Church Gala is about building the power we need to assert our rights, protect our communities, defend the rule of law, and demand better. Governor Walz’s voice matters right now because he’s shown what it looks like to stand up and tell the truth,” said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea.
Tim Walz is Minnesota’s 41st Governor. He was first elected Governor in 2018 and won re-election in 2022. Accomplishments from his time as Governor include providing universal free school meals for students, protecting reproductive freedom, strengthening voting rights, laying the groundwork to get Minnesota to 100% clean electricity by 2040, cutting taxes for the middle class, and expanding paid leave for Minnesota workers.
Born in a small town in rural Nebraska, Tim’s parents instilled in him the values of public service, generosity toward your neighbors, and working for the common good that guide his commitment to Minnesota today. After high school graduation, Tim enlisted in the Army National Guard. He attended Chadron State College and graduated with a social science degree in 1989. Tim spent a year teaching abroad before returning home to serve full time in the Army National Guard and eventually accepting a high school teaching and coaching position.
While teaching, Tim met his future wife, Gwen Whipple, who taught at the same school. They moved to Mankato in 1996, where they worked at Mankato West High School. In addition to teaching social studies, Tim helped coach the Mankato West football team that won the school’s first state championship. After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Walz retired from the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005. Tim won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006 and was re-elected for another five terms serving Minnesota’s First Congressional District in Southern Minnesota. In 2024, he was the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States.
Now in its 32nd year, the Frank & Bethine Church Gala is the Idaho Democratic Party’s signature fundraising event, named for former U.S. Senator Frank Church and Bethine Church. Democrats from every corner of Idaho will gather for an evening of celebration and support.
Tickets are available at www.idahodems.org/fbcg.
###