(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio’s freshman U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate elicited a mix of reactions from the state’s leaders.
“Ohio is swelling with pride today with the historic announcement that Sen. J.D. Vance will be the next vice president of the United States,” Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex M. Triantafilou said in a statement. “Sen. Vance understands the devastating impact that Joe Biden’s policies have had on working Americans. With inflation crushing the middle class, Sen. Vance will join the president in restoring America’s economic strength. He is the best choice for America.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost agreed.
“J.D. Vance is a perfect pick – tough, smart, and high-energy. He knows what it’s like to have to fight, what it’s like to win, and what it’s like to serve,” Yost said.
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters said in a statement that Vance is “humiliating himself in the service of a convicted felon instead of working to improve the quality of life for Ohioans.”
Before his 2021 senate campaign, Vance was best known as the author of the best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which describes his childhood experiences in Middletown of poverty and abuse.
After graduating high school, Vance joined the Marines as a combat correspondent (a military journalist). He studied political science and philosophy at Ohio State University and went on to Yale Law School.
Endorsed by Trump, Vance defeated Democratic candidate Tim Ryan in 2022.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine congratulated Vance in a news release, saying the senator’s rugged life story and ability to “bring a new generational perspective to the ticket” are positive factors.
“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,” DeWine said. “J.D. also knows that securing our border is imperative. President Trump has made a great choice and Senator Vance will be a great partner as they campaign together this fall.”
DeWine approved additional security for Vance on Saturday after an assassination attempt on President Trump but told CNN Monday night that he did not know in advance that Vance would be the pick.
If Trump and Vance win in November, Vance will vacate his senate seat. DeWine will appoint a replacement to fill the seat until a special election in November 2026 to fill the last two years of Vance’s term.
DeWine, who spent 12 years in the U.S. Senate, also told CNN he has thought about who he would select to replace Vance if he’s elected but has put those thoughts on hold while the election season is ongoing.
President Joe Biden also responded to Trump’s pick for running mate on social media.
“Here’s the deal about J.D. Vance. He talks a big game about working people. But now, he and Trump want to raise taxes on middle-class families while pushing more tax cuts for the rich. Well, I don’t intend to let them. And if you’re with me, pitch in,” Biden said.
