CLEVELAND — For the first time in 80 years, a Buckeye State native will be on a presidential ticket.
Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has selected Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance to be his running mate. It's all part of a meteoric rise for the 39-year-old Middletown native, who just recently entered politics with his election to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
"J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance," Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform, "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….".
Vance later arrived to a standing ovation at the Republican National Convention on Monday, where he was officially named as the VP nominee. He later released a statement saying he was "overwhelmed with gratitude."
Here's what some of Ohio's top voices from across the political spectrum are saying about Vance's selection.
GOV. MIKE DeWINE
LT. GOV. JON HUSTED
Husted would go on to formally nominate Vance at the RNC.
US SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH)
In his short tme in office, Vance has authored multiple pieces of proposed bipartisan legislation, including a railway safety bill with Brown.
"I welcomed him to the Senate, I've worked with him on East Palestine, I'll continue to work with him for as long as he's in the Senate, and I'm not going to play pundit here and say things about him," Brown said outside of an event in Cleveland on Tuesday. "My job is to continue to work with Sen. Vance on issues that affect Lake Erie, on issues that affect economic development. I'll continue that partnership. I'm not a pundit."
Brown declined to give a direct opinion on the selection on Vance, but in an email to voters, he used the news to ask for more support to keep his Senate seat this election cycle. When asked about President Joe Biden staying in the race for the White House, Brown said, "Ohioans have legitimate concerns about what President Biden does in this campaign. My job is to talk about what we're doing for workers here."
BERNIE MORENO, GOP NOMINEE FOR US SENATE IN OHIO
OHIO REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN ALEX M. TRIANTAFILOU
OHIO DEMOCRATIC PARTY
"In Ohio, we've had a front row seat for J.D.'s political career. So here's what the country needs to know.
"J.D. Vance is an out-of-touch millionaire who launched his political career by taking advantage of Ohio's opioid crisis and has spent his time in the Senate humiliating himself in the service of a convicted felon instead of working to improve the quality of life for Ohioans. His support for a national abortion ban and his twisted belief that women should stay in violent marriages for the benefit of their children exemplifies his dangerous extremism. He's not just wrong for Ohio, he's wrong for the country.
"But with Vance's history of political shapeshifting, he's the perfect fit for a president whose empty promises of bringing jobs back to Ohio were secondary to spreading lies about a disease that killed 400,000 Americans all while devastating public trust in our government, and ripping away the foundation of our democracy.
"Ohio has buyers' remorse. Donald Trump and the country will too."
US REP. JIM JORDAN (R-OH-4)
US REP. BOB LATTA (R-OH-5)
US REP. MICHAEL RULLI (R-OH-6)
US REP. MAX MILLER (R-OH-7)
"Ohio is proud to stand with President Trump and our great Senator JD Vance who will be an excellent Vice President for the next four years. I have full confidence in Senator Vance and President Trump to turn this country around and Make America Great Again!"
3News later spoke to Miller on Monday. The congressman told us he believes Vance will only elevate the ticket, describing him as a "dynamic individual" who is "able to articulate the president’s policies and viewpoints unlike any other individual I've seen."
"I think it's absolutely huge for the state of Ohio," Miller added, "and everyone should be proud that one of our own is joining the ticket of President Trump."
The added fame for Vance is a long way from Middletown, Ohio, where he wrote about growing up in a family struggling with drug addiction and poverty.
"I believe it humanizes the ticket," Miller said. "I believe people can connect with JD."
STATE REP. DEREK MERRIN, GOP NOMINEE FOR OHIO'S 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
US REP. SHONTEL BROWN (D-OH-11)
US REP. TROY BALDERSON (R-OH-12)
FORMER STATE SEN. KEVIN COUGHLIN, GOP NOMINEE FOR OHIO'S 13TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
US REP. DAVE JOYCE (R-OH-14)
"President Trump made an excellent choice selecting Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Senator Vance has been a strong advocate for Ohioans by fighting to preserve the American dream for future generations. From advocating for families in East Palestine after the train derailment to preserving our Great Lakes, JD has been a powerful voice in the Senate on the same issues I fight for in the House. As Buckeyes, we fight every day to preserve the core values of our nation: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
"On the other hand, President Biden’s weak leadership has failed our constituents, destroying our economy, facilitating an unprecedented border crisis, and emboldening our foreign adversaries. JD and I know we have an uphill battle to change the trajectory of America.
"President Trump is wise to pick a young leader with an innovative vision for our future. Ohio has always played a large role in presidential politics. That's why I believe Senator Vance will make us proud on the national level, and he will be a fantastic Vice President."
OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL DAVE YOST
"J.D. Vance is a perfect pick – tough, smart and high-energy. He knows what it's like to have to fight, what it's like to win, and what it's like to serve."