Trump picks J.D. Vance as running mate

Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance was named as former President Donald Trump's running mate on Monday afternoon.

After surviving an assassination attempt over the weekend, Trump carried forward to the Republican National Convention and unveiled his choice.

"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 posted on Truth Social. "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. J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond…." he concluded.

Aides familiar with the vetting of Vance said he tested well in swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan and with younger voters.

"He brings a connection to those in [the] working class and those who fear the American dream is slipping away," one aide told Just the News.

Prior to the announcement, Vance had ranked among the three main finalists for the post, alongside Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Last week, Trump appeared to hint at his choice by casting some doubts on the viability of Rubio, in light of his hailing from the same state in which Trump claims residence, and also noted that Burgum's backing of a strict abortion ban complicated the choice.