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Gov. Tim Walz to deliver keynote at Idaho Democratic Party gala in Boise
By CBS2 Staff
The Idaho Democratic Party announced Tuesday that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will deliver the keynote address at the Frank & Bethine Church Gala on Saturday, March 7, in Boise.
The annual event is the party’s largest fundraising gathering and draws Democrats from across the state. The gala is named after former U.S. Sen. Frank Church and his wife, Bethine Church, longtime figures in Idaho Democratic politics.
In a news release, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea said Walz’s appearance comes at a critical moment nationally and locally.
“The federal government is weaponizing its power, ignoring court orders, and acting outside the Constitution,” Necochea said in a statement. “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.”
Necochea said the gala is focused on strengthening political organizing and civic engagement in Idaho.
“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,” she said. “Governor Walz’s voice matters right now because he’s shown what it looks like to stand up and tell the truth.”
First elected in 2018, Gov. Walz won re-election in 2022. The Idaho Democratic Party says his administration has championed policies including universal free school meals, protections for reproductive rights, expanded voting access, tax cuts for middle-class families, paid family and medical leave, and a transition toward 100% clean electricity by 2040.
Before entering statewide office, Walz served six terms representing Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2024, he was the Democratic nominee for vice president.
Gov. Walz retired from the National Guard in 2005 after 24 years of service.
The Idaho Democratic Party said Democrats from across the state are expected to attend the Boise gala for an evening of celebration and fundraising
From idahonews.com