On day one of the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump broke the tension after surviving an assassination attempt by answering a question many have pondered for months. His running mate in 2024 will be Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying that Vance was "best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States."
"J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association. J.D.’s book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country," Trump wrote in a post praising Vance.
While reports for months have listed more than a dozen possible dance partners for the former president, he made it clear on day one of the RNC that he will be fighting for a second term with Vance at his side.
Vance was considered one of the last three options being considered by the former president, the other two being Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-N.D.).
Others who were thought to be in contention at one time or another included Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Dr. Ben Carson, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).
However, as the RNC grew closer, reports highlighted that Trump had narrowed the once broad list down to just three names.
Now, Vance is the last one standing and will be paired with Trump as the Republican nominee for the 2024 election.
Trump’s announcement of his VP pick comes days after he was shot in the ear at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooting resulted in the death of a bystander and left two others in critical condition.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was “neutralized” by Secret Service members at the rally.
In the wake of the shooting, Trump has called for unity, saying in several Truth Social posts that now is the time for the country to “stand United.”
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