Former President and current Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Donald Trump has named 39-year-old Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his vice presidential running mate on the GOP'S 2024 national ticket.
"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio." Trump wrote on Truth Social. "J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association. J.D.’s book, 'Hillbilly Elegy,' became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country. J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond…."
Vance, a former venture capitalist before running for elective office, was one of a handful of Republicans considered top running mate contenders. That group also included North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' which tells his story of growing up in a struggling steel mill city and his roots in Appalachian Kentucky. It became a New York Times bestseller and was made into a Netflix film. The story spotlighted the values of many working-class Americans who became supporters of Trump's policies.
The 39-year-old appeared with Trump on the floor of the convention hall of the Fiserv Forum, where the four-day Republican National Convention kicked off Monday. He shook hands with friends and supporters in the Ohio delegation during the vice presidential nomination roll call.
Trump and Vance will be facing off against President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in November's elections.
Harris reportedly reached out to Vance "and left a message to congratulate him on his selection, welcome him to the race and express her hope that the two can meet in the vice presidential debate."