At RNC, delegates formally nominate Ohio Sen. JD Vance for vice president

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) has been formally selected as former President Donald Trump’s 2024 vice-presidential running mate, appearing at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Monday afternoon to accept the nomination.

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Vance arrived at Fiserv Forum Monday afternoon, walking in as Nashville-based band Sixwire played Merle Haggard’s “America First.” As he entered, he gave hugs, shook hands and signed autographs with delegates.

While presidential candidates are nominated by roll call, vice presidential candidates from both parties have typically been nominated by acclamation — or voice vote — since 1988.

“Ohio is the heart of it all, and that is certainly the case once again here today,” said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted during his speech formally nominating Vance for vice president. “The vice presidency is an office of sacred trust. The man who accepts this nomination accepts with it the awesome responsibility to give wise counsel to the president, to represent America abroad, to preside over the Senate, and to be ready to lead our nation at a moment’s notice.”

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In selecting a vice president, Husted said the candidate must embody the qualities that Trump has emphasized throughout his campaign.

“Such a man must have an America-first attitude in his heart,” Husted said. “He must embrace his obligation to the American family, the American worker and the American soldier. He must believe that America is exceptional.”

“J.D. Vance is such a man,” he said.

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Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno made the motion to nominate Vance by acclimation, praising Vance’s “America first” ideals.

“I know firsthand that my dear friend J.D. is a selfless and brilliant fighter,” Moreno said. “He is a patriot who loves America. He loves Ohio.”

The motion was adopted, and cheers and chants of “J.D.! J.D.!” rang out throughout the convention hall. Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on Georgia politics. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @MayaHoman.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: At RNC, delegates formally nominate Ohio Sen. JD Vance for vice president