Republicans quickly shared congratulations and approval of former President Trump’s selection of Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, as his vice presidential nominee ahead of the November election.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., applauded the decision, saying in a statement that Vance “possesses a profound understanding of the anxieties of working families and has both the lived experience and the policy expertise to help President Trump deliver a government worthy of the people it is supposed to serve.”
Bernie Moreno, who is running for Senate in Ohio with Vance’s backing, rejoiced over the announcement, claiming, “President Trump made a brilliant selection in Senator JD Vance.”
TRUMP PICKS JD VANCE AS RUNNING MATE AS HE BECOMES GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE
JD Vance points toward Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
Trump revealed his choice of Vance as his running mate in a post on Truth Social during the kickoff of the Republican National Convention on Monday.
“A son of Middletown, Ohio, J.D. can relate to the many Americans who are struggling right now to make ends meet in this era of crushing inflation, and a housing market that is unaffordable and shutting many out of a chance at achieving the American dream,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, in a statement congratulating the senator.
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Sen. JD Vance speaks to supporters at a recent public forum. (Getty Images)
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed his delight with the pick, writing on X, “It’s great to have an opponent of endless wars and more aid to Ukraine on the ticket.”
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who was also said to be in consideration as a possible running mate, wrote on X, “J.D. Vance is a friend and a conservative champion who fights for American workers. He’ll make an outstanding vice president.”
Gov. Doug Burgum, R-N.D., was considered one of the top three front-runners for Trump’s running mate, along with Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Fox News confirmed prior to Trump’s announcement that both Burgum and Rubio had received calls informing them that they weren’t chosen.
After Vance’s selection was revealed, Burgum wrote on X congratulating him: “Today [Trump] selected @JdVance1 as his running mate, whose small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda. I look forward to campaigning for the Trump-Vance ticket to Make America Great Again!” he said.
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Former President Trump’s veepstakes has apparently whittled itself down to three candidates: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. (Left: Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Center: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Right: Saul Martinez/Getty Images)
“Congratulations to @JDVance1 on your nomination to be the next Vice President of the United States! His passion for America’s prosperity, service as a U.S. Marine, and commitment to our commonsense conservative values are what we need for a stronger America,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., posted on X. Youngkin was also understood as a possible pick, but as more of a long shot.
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Another close Trump ally, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., remarked that Vance is “bright” and “articulate,” adding that he “understands the struggles of working Americans, as he has walked in their shoes and has become one of their best champions.”
Trump’s selection of Vance as his running-mate comes as he continues to woo working-class voters, particularly in the rust belt. Notably, Vance has been a strong advocate for workers throughout his time in the Senate. Blue collar voters will be pivotal in the November election, particularly as several Midwest swing states are expected to decide the winner.