Former President Donald Trump formally selected Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his vice presidential running mate on July 15, 2024, during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee (Globedge).
Finalists and Selection Process
At the RNC, key contenders included Marco Rubio, Doug Burgum, Tim Scott, and J.D. Vance. Sources confirmed that both Rubio and Burgum were informed they would not be selected, clearing the way for Vance’s appointment shortly before the formal announcement (CBS News). Two days earlier, Vance had a private meeting with Trump at Mar a Lago, arriving aboard a G6 Gulfstream jet, reinforcing the impression that he had become Trump’s top choice (Politico).
Why J.D. Vance Triumph?
- Ideological Alignment: Once a harsh critic of Trump including calling him “a fraud” during the 2016 campaign Vance fully embraced Trumpism by 2022. As a U.S. Senator, he became a vocal advocate for the “America First” agenda, opposing Ukraine aid, supporting tariffs, and emphasizing immigration restriction and populist economic policies (ABC News).
- Rust Belt Appeal: Hailing from Ohio, a key swing state, Vance’s background as the author of “Hillbilly Elegy” resonated with working class and Rust Belt voters in pivotal midwestern states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin (The Associated Press).
- Youth & Image: At 39, Vance became the youngest vice presidential nominee since Richard Nixon in 1952, and the first millennial on a major party ticket creating a generational contrast with Trump (78) and Biden (81) (ABC News).
- Loyalty and Rapport: Vance demonstrated early and consistent loyalty to Trump, earning praise from Trump Jr., Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and Tucker Carlson. His willingness to defend Trump publicly and assist in fundraising efforts solidified his standing with the MAGA base (Wikipedia).
Why Rubio and Burgum Lost Out
- Marco Rubio: Though respected and capable of expanding outreach to Latino and moderate voters, Rubio’s inability to relocate from Florida thus avoiding complications with Trump’s same-state residency served as a disqualifier. Ultimately, the Trump campaign concluded Rubio would not be the nominee (Illinois Newsroom).
- Doug Burgum: A former presidential candidate and North Dakota governor, Burgum was seen as business minded and steady. But he had explicitly declined the vice presidency if not winning the nomination and had policy positions including signing a restrictive abortion law that Trump deemed potential liabilities. His path closed in favor of Vance (Wikipedia).
Vance’s Background & Milestones
- Professional and Military Career: Born in Middleton, Ohio, Vance is an Iraq War veteran, summa cum laude graduate of Ohio State University in political science and philosophy, and a Yale Law School alumnus. Before entering politics, he worked as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalist (The Sun).
- Senate & Politics: Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, Vance quickly embraced national prominence as a staunch Trump ally and media presence. His past evolution from Trump critic to campaign surrogate highlights a narrative of ideological transformation (Politico).
Implications & Next Steps
- Base Mobilization: Trump’s pick of Vance is seen as reinforcing loyalty and momentum among the MAGA loyalists and right wing populist segments of the Republican base (The Associated Press).
- Future Prospects: Rubio himself praised Vance in summer 2025 as a potential presidential frontrunner for 2028, referring to him as a “great nominee” and a close political ally (YouTube). Grassroots donors in Iowa likewise view Vance as a natural successor to Trump’s legacy (Financial Times).
- Criticism and Risks: Opponents argue Vance’s past criticisms of Trump and then rapid realignment raise questions about authenticity. Democrats blasted him as a supporter of Trump’s “extreme MAGA agenda,” alleging he’d go further than Mike Pence did on January 6 (The Associated Press).
Summary Table
| Candidate | Strengths | Why Bypassed |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. Vance | Ideologically aligned, youth, Rust Belt appeal, proven loyalty | N/A – selected |
| Marco Rubio | Policy veteran, Latino outreach, establishment appeal | Residency conflict, less base appeal |
| Doug Burgum | Business oriented, energy expertise | Refused VP offer in advance, divisive on abortion policy |
In conclusion, Trump ultimately chose J.D. Vance as his running mate due to ideological alignment, ability to energize the base, generational contrast, and strong personal loyalty. His selection cleaved the field decisively from other contenders like Rubio and Burgum, signaling a calculated embrace of Trumpism heading into the general election.
