This week, Alpha News visited Blue Earth County, Minnesota, speaking with voters in Mankato, the hometown of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is now on the presidential ticket as a vice-presidential candidate.

Walz, originally from Nebraska, spent a decade teaching social studies and coaching football at Mankato West High School before leaving to launch a successful congressional career, while still keeping a home in Mankato during his time in Washington, D.C.

However, local sentiments indicate that Walz’s Minnesota roots may not be enough to sway voters in his favor.

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Several residents expressed support for former President Donald Trump, viewing him as the best choice in the election. “We’re both voting for Trump. It’s really the only option,” one couple told Alpha News reporter Liz Collin.

Another resident, who didn’t vote for Trump in the last election, said he is casting his ballot for Trump this time.

Blue Earth County Republicans report a surge of enthusiasm for Trump in the area, with volunteers handing out more yard signs than ever. “We’ve had a lot of activity with Trump,” said Doug Hitzemann, the Blue Earth County Republicans’ treasurer. “It just drives people to come in to get signs, just to talk, communicate and just have a good time talking about it.”

Historically, Blue Earth County has leaned Democratic, with the last Republican gubernatorial win in the county dating back to 2002.

Trump, however, flipped the county in 2016, and some residents see a repeat trend in 2024.

Hitzemann expressed doubts about Walz’s impact on the Democratic ticket, especially given the governor’s mixed reception in Mankato. “She’s not a strong candidate, and I didn’t ever think he was a strong candidate,” Hitzemann said, referring to the vice-presidential candidate’s decision to choose Walz as her running mate. “I don’t think he helped her ticket.”

Hitzemann also commented on the lack of statewide familiarity with Walz, suggesting that his time in Mankato revealed a different image than the one projected on the national stage. “He acts like a conservative while he’s campaigning here, and the minute he gets across the river, he switches to his true self,” Hitzemann said.

“There’s a whole lot of things that are coming out about him that we never knew.” He added, “I don’t see any more interest in the Democratic ticket because of him. I don’t believe so.”

Requests for comments from the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) office went unanswered, with Alpha News receiving no response to its interview or email request.

Hitzemann also referenced Walz’s recent appearance at a local football game, where he reportedly received a mixed reception. “I don’t think he’s as well-liked here as they like to portray him,” Hitzemann noted. “My understanding is that there were quite a few boos in the stand.”

He mentioned that some students at the game wore shirts in support of Trump, signaling a lack of enthusiasm for the governor.

Residents in Mankato also highlighted broader issues, such as high taxes and rising costs of living, as reasons for their dissatisfaction. “This state is one of the most expensive states to live in tax-wise,” said Hitzemann. “We’ve got people leaving the state. That’s not good in the long run.”

Voters echoed concerns about the cost of groceries and essentials. “Groceries are high. I mean, formula is high, milk is high…it’s a big crisis right now,” said a 29-year-old father.

Another local worker voiced his frustrations, linking government spending to his personal challenges. “I work hard, 60-hour weeks. I’m a roofer, 45% of my check goes to taxes,” he said. “I’m Hispanic, and they say, ‘Oh, we’re here to help the Hispanics,’ but they’re sending money to Ukraine, a war that doesn’t belong to us. I’m a Republican, and I believe that God is a Republican, too. Times have changed.”

When asked whether Walz’s connection to Mankato held any significance, a local voter simply replied, “Not even a little bit.”

‘Don’t care for the man’: Alpha News finds frosty reception for Tim Walz in hometown pic.twitter.com/AfFysj93gT

— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) October 30, 2024

As Election Day nears, the sentiments from Mankato reflect a strong trend of support for Trump and skepticism toward the local candidate on the Democratic ticket.

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