Despite postponing a planned rally at a Reno casino due to the Davis Fire, Democratic vice presidential candidate Governor Tim Walz made two stops in Reno yesterday afternoon.
KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck followed along in his motorcade.
Walz shook hands with firefighters and first responders, Washoe County officials, and U.S. Forest Service personnel at Galena High School. The Davis Fire raged in the nearby hills as the sun glowed orange behind thick smoke and ash fell from the sky.
Grateful to the first responders in Reno who are putting themselves in harms way to keep their neighbors safe.
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 10, 2024
I stopped by to thank some of them for their heroic efforts to protect the community. pic.twitter.com/4XCPPIwAH9
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue communications officer Adam Mayberry said they talked to the Minnesota Governor about the challenges of homeowners insurance.
"We're seeing a lot of our residents losing their fire insurance and or premiums are going up, you know, 1,000%, so he was very cognizant of that issue."
Before that, Walz quickly thanked fans and supporters who packed into the Washoe Democratic Headquarters in Reno. He stood in front of a collection of donated goods, including water bottles, diapers, and pet food, to be donated to local organizations assisting displaced families.
"Really appreciate, first of all, modeling what really the reason everybody gets into public service. It's about helping your neighbors when they need help."
Walz also acknowledged Aaron Sims, the Nevada Democratic rural caucus chair, whose family lost their home in the fire, reiterating the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
This marked Walz’s second trip to Reno this summer after meeting with Northern Nevada leaders in June, while Vice President Kamala Harris last visited Northern Nevada in April 2023.