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Former President Donald Trump named Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate as he tries to win back the White House in the November presidential election.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.
"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.
"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….," Trump continued.
".As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Congratulations to Senator J.D. Vance, his wife, Usha, who also graduated from Yale Law School, and their three beautiful children. MAGA2024!" Trump continued in a second post.
Vance was officially named the Republican vice presidential candidate by acclimation during the Republican National Convention.
In 2021, Vance announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Senator Rob Portman. Despite initial skepticism from some Republicans, Vance secured Trump's endorsement during the primary. This endorsement proved crucial to his victory in a crowded Republican field. In the general election, Vance defeated Democratic candidate Tim Ryan.
Before getting into politics, Vance joined the U.S. Marine Corps. During the Iraq War, he served as a combat correspondent with the Public Affairs section of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
After his service in the military, Vance studied political science and philosophy at The Ohio State University and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 2013.
In 2016, Vance published Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir of his experiences growing up in Middletown, Ohio, and the summers he spent with family members in Jackson, Kentucky. The book became an instant hit with conservatives, who helped make it a best-seller. It was later adapted into a Netflix movie.