Donald Trump chose J.D. Vance as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Vance is the freshman senator from Ohio and author of the 2016 memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy.’
Republican National Convention (RNC) delegates formally selected Vance, 39, after Trump announced on his social media platform after a lengthy ‘deliberation and thought’.
Vance is now in position to potentially assume the role of one of the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history.
“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 wrote on Monday.
The decision came after much speculation of various political figures, including Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, were rumored to be in consideration.
Vance has previously criticized his new running mate, once suggesting privately that Trump could be “America’s Hitler”, but has become an ardent supporter.
After his confirmation, Vance aimed Joe Biden, claiming that America elected an “empty vessel” in 2020 who is now incapacitated president.
He claimed that Democrats had lied about Biden’s health and that voters could either reward or punish that behavior in November.
Vance, 39, was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. He served as a military journalist in the Iraq War.
He attended Ohio State and Yale University, and dabbled in venture capital before entering politics.
Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, details his childhood in rural Ohio, and his journey through higher education and the tech sector.
The book became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a feature film by Netflix.
Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement. He defeated Democratic nominee Tim Ryan with 53% of the vote.
Should Trump win the presidency in November, Vance will become the third-youngest vice president in U.S. history at the age of 40.
Below is a list of America’s youngest vice presidents:
John C. Breckinridge (36 years, 47 days). Took office in 1857.
Richard Nixon (40 yearss, 11 days). Assumed office in 1953.
J.D. Vance (40 years). Potentially assuming office in 2025 if Trump wins the presidency.
Thomas A. Hendrick (48 years) Took office in 1885.
Alben W. Barkley (49 years) Assumed office 1949.
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