MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former President Donald Trump selected Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, making him the first millennial to join a major-party ticket. Vance, who was once a critic of Trump but later became a loyal ally, was announced as the Vice Presidential candidate on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
After being nominated by the party, Vance walked onto the convention floor to the tune of Merle Haggard’s “American First.”
Vance, 39, gained national attention with the release of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” in 2016. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has been a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda ever since.
However, his lack of experience in national politics and the recent attempted assassination of Trump at a rally has brought new scrutiny to his role as Vice Presidential candidate.
Despite facing criticism for a post suggesting that President Joe Biden was responsible for the violence, Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate is expected to energize Trump’s loyal base.
Reasons for picking Vance over other finalists
Trump’s decision to choose Vance was influenced by their strong rapport and shared views on key issues such as trade, foreign policy, and immigration. Vance’s chemistry with Trump and his ability to carry on Trump’s message to working-class Americans in critical swing states also played a role in his selection.
In the announcement of Vance as his running mate, Trump emphasized Vance’s focus on American workers and farmers in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
While Vance’s past criticisms of Trump have been well-documented, his evolution into a loyal supporter has solidified his position as a key ally of the former president.
The rise of Vance and his book
Vance’s book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” shed light on the struggles of working-class Americans in the heart of the country, resonating with many who felt marginalized by the political establishment. The book’s success catapulted Vance to national prominence and eventually led to his Senate bid and endorsement by Trump.
Vance’s personal story of overcoming adversity and his commitment to addressing issues like opioid addiction and economic revitalization have endeared him to voters in Ohio and beyond.
As a senator, Vance has shown a willingness to work across party lines on issues important to his constituents, earning praise for his bipartisan efforts with Democrat Sherrod Brown on initiatives like the Intel chip facility in central Ohio and rail safety legislation.
Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2024 election at https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024.
