GOP lawmakers had a wide range of reactions to former President Donald Trump’s new vice president pick Ohio Senator JD Vance.
In classic Trump style, the ex-president and former TV boss dragged out anticipation for who he would be selecting as his second-in-command.
He finally announced via a Truth Social post on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that freshman Sen. Vance, 39, would be joining his ticket.
DailyMail.com caught up with elected Republicans and other leaders in the party to get their reactions moments after the announcement.
Trump finally announced via a Truth Social post 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 is going to make a great vice president.’
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Previously rumored vice presidential pick who is also from Ohio Vivek Ramaswamy gave a ringing endorsement of his ‘longtime personal friend’ and drinking buddy Vance to DailyMail.com.
The two went to Yale Law School together – 2013 graduates – and Ramaswamy said they never imagined they’d find themselves at the center of Republican politics together years later.
‘We didn’t even really know we were the two lone conservatives at the time,’ he added.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that he’s not disappointed in Trump’s pick – even though he was passed up for the job.
‘Everybody wants to be able to move and do something but the entire campaign is about President Trump and winning.’
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he was ‘pulling’ for North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and not JD Vance.
But his selection brings ‘younger voters’ to the GOP Party, which is an asset moving forward.
Cramer called Vance an ‘honest intellectual populist,’ with a smile. ‘He’ll be a fine running mate, and make a fine vice president, and president if necessary.’
Sen. Cornyn, who is in the running to replace Mitch McConnell as GOP leader, offered a tepid response.
‘It’s a recognition there’s a new generation that’s becoming involved in politics,’ he said about Vance.
Cramer called Vance an ‘honest intellectual populist,’ with a smile
Sen. Cornyn, who is in the running to replace Mitch McConnell as GOP leader, offered a tepid response
He offered some soft 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 really helped the president and I look forward to working with him.’
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy called Vance a ‘great decision.’
‘I think he’s gonna help us big in Pennsylvania and others, especially in bringing new people to the party,’ he told DailyMail.com.
Former Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin says although Vance only has a year of Senate experience, it won’t matter.
‘Donald Trump didn’t have any experience when he was elected, in terms of time in office,’ he said.
He went on to say there’s more that matters than experience, referring to President Biden’s ‘failed’ record spanning decades.
‘Time in office isn’t an indicator of success,’ he added.
‘I think it will be helpful throughout the entire country, especially the rust belt. I mean, he is the forgotten man and woman,’ said Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), shortly after appearing onstage at the convention.
‘The platform was built around that by the President. J.D. embodies it also. He brings in tech, he brings in private equity. He has a great lot of great legislation stance on China and understanding what they’re doing in their economic warfare. So I think he’s a great pick. It’s great ticket.’
NRSC Chairman Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., congratulated his ‘friend’ on the nomination.
‘JD is a successful businessman, Marine veteran, and connects with the working class voters we need to win this election. President Trump made a great choice selecting JD Vance for Vice President.’