Former President Donald Trump selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday. Vance, once a critic of Trump, has since become a loyal ally and is the first millennial to join a major-party ticket during a time of growing concern about the advanced age of America’s political leaders.
“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 announced on his Truth Social network as the Republican National Convention began in Milwaukee.
Shortly after the announcement, Vance arrived at the convention for his formal nomination, walking out to Merle Haggard’s “American First.”
The 39-year-old Vance gained national recognition with his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” Elected to the Senate in 2022, he has been a strong supporter of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, especially on trade, foreign policy, and immigration. However, he is largely untested in national politics and joins the Trump ticket during an extraordinary moment in American history. The campaign has been shaken by an attempted assassination of Trump at a rally on Saturday, highlighting the nation’s coarse political rhetoric and the importance of those next in line for the presidency. Vance faced criticism for a post on X suggesting President Joe Biden was to blame for the violence. “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance wrote. “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Law enforcement has not yet specified a motivation for the shooting.
Why Vance Was Chosen Over Other Finalists
The pick is expected to energize Trump’s loyal base. Vance is a regular on conservative media and frequently engages with reporters on Capitol Hill, establishing himself as a leader who could carry Trump’s mantle into the future, beginning with the next presidential election in 2028.
However, the selection of Vance means that two white men will lead the Republican ticket at a time when Trump has been trying to make inroads with Black and Latino voters. In his announcement, Trump said Vance “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.” Several of these Midwestern states are expected to play a critical role in the upcoming election.
Vance’s chemistry with Trump also played a crucial role in his selection. Trump values personal relationships, and he and Vance have developed a strong rapport, speaking regularly. Trump has even complimented Vance’s looks, saying he reminded him of “a young Abraham Lincoln.”
Trump and Vance spoke about 20 minutes before the Truth Social post, with Trump formally offering him the job, according to a person familiar with the call.
