COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Monday selected U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate in his bid to return to the White House.
Here are some key facts about Vance, a 39-year-old Republican serving his first term in the Senate:
Vance gained fame with the memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’
Vance, originally from Middletown, Ohio, served in the Marines in Iraq before obtaining degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. He also worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.
His claim to fame was the 2016 bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy”, published during Trump’s initial presidential campaign. The book helped establish Vance as someone who could explain Trump’s appeal in middle America, particularly to working-class, rural white voters who supported Trump’s presidency.
“Hillbilly Elegy” played a role in Vance’s introduction to the Trump family, with Donald Trump Jr. being a fan of the book. Their friendship blossomed, leading Vance to launch his political career.
First elected to office in 2022
After the 2016 election, Vance returned to Ohio, where he founded an anti-opioid charity and began speaking at events in the state. His public appearances and personal story laid the foundation for his successful Senate run in 2021, with Trump’s endorsement playing a significant role in his victory.
Strong personal relationship with Trump
Vance and Trump have developed a close bond over the years, with regular phone conversations and mutual respect. Trump has even praised Vance’s appearance, likening him to a young Abraham Lincoln.
Transition from never-Trumper to Trump ally
In 2016, Vance was a vocal critic of Trump, but by 2021, he had reversed his stance, citing Trump’s accomplishments as president. Despite their past differences, Vance became a staunch ally of Trump in Congress, defending his policies and actions.
Leading conservative voice
Vance is regarded as a prominent figure in the conservative movement, advocating for key issues such as non-interventionist foreign policy, free market economics, and American culture. Although labeled an extremist by Democrats for his past views, Vance has adjusted his positions on certain issues over time.
Marriage to a lawyer with Supreme Court experience
Vance met his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, at Yale, where she also earned her law degree. She has prior experience clerking for future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts. Usha recently left her law firm to support Vance’s political endeavors.
Alignment with Trump on election issues
Vance has echoed Trump’s concerns about the 2020 election results and put conditions on accepting the outcome of future elections. Despite investigations finding no evidence of fraud in the 2020 election, Vance remains cautious about future elections.
Ability to articulate Trump’s vision
Vance is known for his debating skills and his ability to effectively communicate Trump’s vision for America. Conservative leaders believe Vance’s presence on the GOP ticket could help Trump secure crucial states like Michigan and Wisconsin in the upcoming election.
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in Milwaukee and Mark Sherman in Washington contributed to this report.
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