Donald Trump has selected his running mate and potential future Vice President of the United States.
Taking to Truth Social to reveal the news, Trump revealed that 39-year-old Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential nominee.
In a statement, the 78-year-old Republican candidate wrote: "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 JD Vance of the Great State of Ohio.
Who is J.D. Vance?
J.D. Vance - originally James David Bowman - from Middletown, Ohio, has carved a unique path from a modest background to becoming a prominent voice in American politics.
Born into a white, working-class family with roots in Scottish-Irish descent, Vance was raised by his grandparents in the struggling Appalachian coal region, known today as one of the nation's poorest areas.
His journey took a patriotic turn when he enlisted in the Marines, serving in Iraq before pursuing higher education at Ohio State University. There, Vance earned degrees in political science and philosophy, setting the stage for a remarkable academic career that later included Yale Law School.
However, it was Vance's 2016 memoir - Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis - that propelled him into the national spotlight.
Offering a compelling window into the overlooked perspectives of the conservative white working class, his book resonated deeply across America, earning praise for its candid portrayal of socio-economic challenges.
After a stint in California's biotech industry, Vance returned to his roots in Ohio in 2017.
Backed by Silicon Valley maverick Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and a notable figure in libertarian and Republican circles, Vance launched his own venture capital venture. Thiel's support included a substantial $10 million contribution to bolster Vance's Senate bid in early 2021.
In a dramatic twist, Vance's political journey took a turn when he aligned himself with former President Donald Trump, whom he had previously criticized as "reprehensible".
Later apologizing for his earlier remarks, Vance echoed Trump's unfounded claims of voter fraud during the 2020 election campaign, a move that garnered him crucial support and endorsement from Trump himself.
This strategic pivot proved decisive, propelling Vance to victory in the Senate race and establishing him as a formidable force in Washington. Since assuming office, Vance has leveraged his platform to champion conservative values and policies, influencing debates on issues ranging from economic reform to social welfare.
From his humble beginnings in Ohio's heartland to the corridors of power in Capitol Hill, J.D. Vance's journey exemplifies the American Dream.
Additionally, many on social media already feel his young age will help inject a more youthful counterpoint in the battle between 78-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Joe Biden.