Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance has been tapped by former President Trump as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. The news broke on Truth Social during the kickoff of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“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 posted on his social media platform.
“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 added, as if writing a movie script.
Vance, a fresh face in politics, was first elected to the Senate in 2022, jumping straight into the fray without ever holding elected office before. Quite the leap, but hey, stranger things have happened in politics.
Vance first grabbed the national spotlight with his 2016 book “Hillbilly Elegy,” a memoir about his challenging upbringing in a poor Appalachian family. The book struck a chord with many Americans who feel left behind and echoed the sentiments of Trump’s base.
Before diving into politics, Vance dabbled in venture capitalism at Peter Thiel’s Mithril Capital and had a brief stint at a corporate law firm. Oh, and let’s not forget his time as a U.S. Marine, where he served in Iraq—adding a bit more grit to his resume.
In his Senate race, Vance emerged victorious from a crowded Republican primary field before facing off against Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan in a tight general election. It’s a classic underdog story, but now he’s gearing up for an even bigger stage alongside Trump. Buckle up, America, this campaign is just getting started.
