Trump names Senator J.D. Vance as 2024 Vice Presidential pick

Former President Donald J. Trump revealed his choice for vice president on Monday, naming Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the 2024 election. The announcement came through Trump’s social media platform, TRUTH Social.

Trump’s post highlighted Vance’s extensive qualifications, noting his military service, educational achievements, and career successes. Trump stated, “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 praised Vance for his service in the Marine Corps and his academic credentials, including graduating Summa Cum Laude from Ohio State University and earning a law degree from Yale. Trump also underscored Vance’s role as Editor of The Yale Law Journal and his leadership of the Yale Law Veterans Association.

Who is Trump’s VP pick J.D. Vance?

James David Vance, born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984, gained national prominence with his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. The book, which reflects on his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, and the struggles of the Rust Belt, was adapted into a film and garnered significant media attention. Vance’s pre-political career included roles as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalist before he ventured into public service.

In 2022, Vance successfully ran for the U.S. Senate seat in Ohio. Trump’s endorsement played a crucial role in Vance’s victory in the Republican primary and subsequent general election, where he defeated Democrat Tim Ryan. Since taking office, Vance has focused on issues pertinent to Ohio, including responding to the East Palestine train derailment and maintaining a strong conservative stance, notably opposing aid to Ukraine.

Vance’s alignment with Trump has been a significant shift from his earlier criticisms of the former president. In a 2016 interview, Vance expressed doubts about Trump’s candidacy, but he later apologized for his past remarks. “I’ve been very open about the fact that I did say those critical things, and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy,” he said in a 2021 Fox News interview.