As co-founder and executive director of the Hmong American Farmers Association in Minnesota, Janssen Hang has met Gov. Tim Walz several times. It’s usually been on farmland with Walz in his trademark red flannel shirt.
“I’ve seen that red flannel multiple times.” Hang said, laughing. “I think he will be a wonderful candidate because he speaks from the heart…He’s not a third-generation senator’s son or some big business guy.”
Hmong Minnesotans were among those who watched as Walz was catapulted onto the Democratic presidential ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris two months ago. They have watched him crisscross the country and last week debate Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Hmong American state lawmakers and community activists say Walz has built a mostly positive reputation with Minnesota’s largest Asian ethnic group. They point to past legislation, a willingness to reach across the aisle and attendance at community events from festivals to funerals. Now, a lot of these supporters want to show how much influence the Hmong American population has by getting out the vote with fellow Hmong in battleground states.