Former President Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate for the 2024 Republican ticket, pairing himself with a youthful and ideological ally.
Vance, who emerged on the political scene by defeating former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat in 2022, was sworn in in January 2023. He is the first U.S. Senator from Ohio to hold office without prior government experience since John Glenn.
During his tenure, Vance has garnered attention for his work with residents and local officials in East Palestine following a toxic train derailment.
Trump first met Vance in 2021 and endorsed him in the Ohio Senate race in April 2022. Since then, Vance has been instrumental in fundraising efforts, helping to raise millions for Trump’s campaign. He joined the former president at a private fundraiser and lunch discussion in Indian Hill in May.
Last month, Vance supported Trump at the presidential debate, assisting in the spin room and addressing questions about the vice-presidential pick.
Vance, a Middletown, Ohio native, is a father of three and a Marine veteran.
