Republican lawmakers had a wide range of reactions to former President Donald Trump’s choice of Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his new vice president.
In classic Trump style, the former president and former TV chief stretched out the anticipation of who he would choose as his second in command.
He finally announced via a post on Truth Social on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that freshman Sen. Vance, 39, would be joining his ticket.
DailyMail.com interviewed elected Republicans and other party leaders to get their reactions in the moments after the announcement.
Trump finally announced via a post on Truth Social on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that freshman Sen. Vance of Ohio would be joining his ticket.
Trump’s former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, told DailyMail.com: “Senator Vance will make a great vice president.”
Vivek Ramaswamy, who is also from Ohio and has previously been the subject of rumors about a possible vice presidential run, gave a ringing endorsement of his “lifelong personal friend” and drinking buddy Vance to DailyMail.com.
The two went to Yale Law School together (graduating in 2013), and Ramaswamy said they never imagined they would find themselves together at the center of Republican politics years later.
“At that time we didn’t even know that we were the only conservatives,” he added.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com he is not disappointed with Trump’s choice, even though he was not considered for the post.
“Everyone wants to be able to move around and do something, but the entire campaign is about President Trump and his victory.”
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he was “standing by” North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, not J.D. Vance.
But his selection attracts “younger voters” to the Republican Party, which is an advantage for the future.
Cramer, with a smile, called Vance an “honest intellectual populist.” “He’ll be a good running mate, a good vice president, and if necessary, president.”
Senator Cornyn, who is in the race to replace Mitch McConnell as leader of the Republican Party, offered a lukewarm response.
“It’s a recognition that there’s a new generation that’s getting involved in politics,” he said of Vance.
Cramer called Vance an “honest intellectual populist,” with a smile.
Senator Cornyn, who is in the race to replace Mitch McConnell as leader of the Republican Party, offered a lukewarm response.
He offered some mild criticism of Vance’s opposition to sending more military aid to Ukraine.
That said, Cornyn added: “I think he’ll be a great candidate and he’s really helped the president and I look forward to working with him.”
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called Vance’s decision “a great decision.”
“I think he’s going to help us a lot in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, especially by bringing new people into the party,” he told DailyMail.com.
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says even though Vance only has one year of Senate experience, it won’t matter.
“Donald Trump had no experience when he was elected, in terms of time in office,” he said.
He went on to say that there are more things that matter than experience, referring to President Biden’s “failed” record spanning decades.
“Time in office is not an indicator of success,” he added.
“I think he’ll be helpful across the country, especially in the Rust Belt. I mean, he’s the forgotten man and woman,” said Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), shortly after appearing on stage at the convention.
“The president built the platform around that. JD represents that as well. He brings technology and private equity. He has a lot of great legislative positions on China and understands what they’re doing in their economic war. So I think he’s a great choice. He’s a great candidate.”
Orlando Sonza, a Republican House candidate in Ohio endorsed by Vance, called Vance a “fantastic choice” and was excited about how it would affect turnout in his own House race.
‘JD’s presence on the ballot will increase Republican enthusiasm and turnout to unprecedented levels.’
NRSC Chairman Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, congratulated his “friend” on the nomination.
“JD is a successful businessman, a Navy veteran, and has a connection with the working-class voters we need to win this election. President Trump made a great decision in choosing JD Vance as his vice president.”