Texas officials have voiced their support for Sen. J.D. Vance becoming former President Donald Trump’s running mate.
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” the 45th president announced on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Gov. Greg Abbott took to X to congratulate Vance following the announcement.
“A great decision by President Trump,” Abbott said. “President Trump and his VP Vance will Make America Great Once Again and unify our nation. America’s future looks brighter with their leadership.”
Abbott was reportedly on Trump’s shortlist for vice president. However, he had expressed little interest in the position, saying he would rather remain governor of Texas.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also posted on X to express his excitement over Trump’s decision.
“JD Vance is the right guy at the right time,” Paxton said. “I’m excited at what he brings to the ticket.”
Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) also approved of the pick, posting on social media, “Grateful to see Donald Trump has chosen a competent, capable and courageous Vice President nominee. Now more than ever we must work to unite America and push back against the evil that has been at work to divide and destroy our Nation.”
Vance responded to the positivity on Monday, writing on X, “Just overwhelmed with gratitude. What an honor it is to run alongside President Donald J. Trump. He delivered peace and prosperity once, and with your help, he’ll do it again. Onward to victory!”
The announcement came on Monday, just two days after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump, as reported by The Dallas Express. Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, shot at Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The bullet nicked Trump’s ear, but he was otherwise unharmed. He appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just two days later with a bandage covering the wound.
Two rally attendees, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, sustained serious wounds from the shooting and are in stable condition. Another Trump supporter at the rally, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed by the gunman while shielding his wife and daughter with his body.