Politics

As a coach at Mankato West High School, Mr Walz helped build up an American football programme that led the school to its first state championship.

He also earned plaudits for agreeing to be the faculty adviser for the school's gay-straight alliance at a time when homosexuality was largely frowned upon.

He first ran for office in a largely agricultural district that spans across southern Minnesota, which is fairly rural and Republican-leaning.

But Mr Walz campaigned as a moderate who cared about public service and veterans' advocacy, leading to an election upset.