Republicans react to Vance being named Trump's vice presidential pick

Republican politicians are showing their support for the party's vice presidential hopeful Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, after former President Donald Trump named the senator as his running mate.

Trump officially became the Republican nominee for president at the Republican convention in Milwaukee on Monday afternoon, and named Vance as his running mate. Vance is a Marine Corps veteran, an author, and has a business background in technology and finance, which the former president lauded.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Vance's character in a statement to CNN and said Vance has the "policy expertise" to help Trump deliver a government that is worthy of the American people.

“Senator J.D. Vance was born and raised in Appalachia, served our country as a U.S. Marine, and is regarded as one of the most thoughtful Senators in Congress," the speaker's office said. "He possesses a profound understanding of the anxieties of working families and has both the lived experience and the policy expertise to help President Trump deliver a government worthy of the people it is supposed to serve."

Former Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy also praised Vance in a statement. Ramaswamy attended Yale Law with the senator.

“So proud of my friend, classmate, and fellow southwest Ohioan today,” Ramaswamy told CNN. “We used to watch Bengals games at the bar in law school, it’s awesome we’re now here a decade later with JD joining the strongest presidential ticket in our lifetime. He’ll be an outstanding Vice President and I look forward to everything ahead for him and for our country.”

Vance's competitors for the nomination also praised the decision, with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announcing he was "look[ing] forward to campaigning" for the pair.

"[Trump] is the strongest leader to enter the political arena in modern American history," Burgum posted to X. "Today he selected [Vance] as his running mate, whose small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda. I look forward to campaigning for the Trump-Vance ticket to Make America Great Again!"

The senator also has allies in the upper chamber, with Sen. Lindsey Graham claiming Vance's story is one of the "most compelling stories in American politics."

"He understands the struggles of working Americans, as he has walked in their shoes and has become one of their best champions" Graham posted to X of Vance. "Bright, articulate, and a Marine veteran, he will serve President Trump well on the campaign trail. It is imperative we win this election to end the disastrous policies of the Biden Administration and Make America Great Again.  J.D. is a hard worker with a beautiful family who will be a great spokesperson for the America First agenda. This is a clear choice for America."

Sen. Marco Rubio, who was also one of the frontrunners for the vice president slot, posted "#TrumpVance2024!!!" on X.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.