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JD Vance speaks to USA TODAY in Washington on July 12, 2023. © Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: USA TODAY
(Milwaukee, WI) — Former President Donald Trump has picked Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, “Truth Social”. Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022, and represents a key swing state in the 2024 race for the White House. He wrote the best-seller “Hillbilly Elegy,” a memoir of his experiences growing up in poverty.
The 78-year-old Trump told insiders that his choice would be someone who had been loyal to him. Campaign leaders were reportedly looking for a candidate who would not overshadow the president. Vance’s age made him very desirable as well.
The Republican National Convention is underway. Security in Milwaukee has been dramatically heightened following the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania. Republicans are gathering this week to officially nominate Donald Trump for the presidency.