Who is JD Vance? Things to know about Donald Trump's pick for vice president
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Monday chose U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio to be his running mate as he looks to return to the White House.
Here are some things to know about Vance, a 39-year-old Republican now in his first term in the Senate:
Vance rose to prominence with memoir ‘Hillbilly Elegy’
Vance was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. He joined the Marines and served in Iraq, and later earned degrees from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. He also worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.
Vance made a name for himself with his memoir, the 2016 bestseller “Hillbilly Elegy," which was published as Trump was first running for president. The book earned Vance a reputation as someone who could help explain the maverick New York businessman’s appeal in middle America, and especially among the working class, rural white voters who helped Trump win the presidency.
“Hillbilly Elegy” also introduced Vance to the Trump family. Donald Trump Jr. loved the book and knew of Vance when he went to launch his political career. The two hit it off and have remained friends.
He was first elected to public office in 2022
After Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Vance returned to his native Ohio and set up an anti-opioid charity. He also took to the lecture circuit and was a favored guest at Republican Lincoln Day dinners where his personal story — including the hardship Vance endured because of his mother’s drug addiction — resonated.
Vance's appearances were opportunities to sell his ideas for fixing the country and helped lay the groundwork for entering politics in 2021, when he sought the Senate seat vacated by Republican Rob Portman, who retired.
Trump endorsed Vance. Vance went on to win a crowded Republican primary and the general election.
Vance went from never-trumper to fierce ally
Vance was a “never Trump” Republican in 2016. He called Trump “dangerous” and “unfit” for office. Vance, whose wife, lawyer Usha Chilukuri Vance, is Indianamerican and the mother of their three children, also criticized Trump’s racist rhetoric, saying he could be “America’s Hitler.”
But by the time Vance met Trump in 2021, he had reversed his opinion, citing Trump’s accomplishments as president. Both men downplayed Vance's past scathing criticism.
Once elected, Vance became a fierce Trump ally on Capitol Hill, unceasingly defending Trump’s policies and behavior.
He is a leading conservative voice
Kane Borough Police Reports June 21 June 24, 2024
June 21, 2024
At 12:53 a.m. on June 21, police were dispatched to 415 Biddle St. for a domestic disturbance call. An argument erupted between a male and female. The male had pushed the female twice. The male was detained to the police station where he was issued two citations for harassment. Police told him not to return that night.
At 3:51 p.m. on June 21, police visited the Housing Authority Office at 130 Greeves St. (Central Towers) and provided them with information of an incident that resulted in the arrest of a resident.
At 4:21 p.m. on June 21, police received a call for a possible break in at 133 Hacker St. The caller was John Brooks. Upon arrival at the address, the suspects of the call were the property owner and her son. The officer, knowing that Brooks had a felony warrant, attempted to arrest him. Brooks escaped out of the back window. Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) were called to assist.
At 6:26 p.m. on June 21, police were called to the 200 block of Chestnut St. for public assistance. A female had locked herself out of her residence. The officer contacted Lowell Watts of Open Sesame, a locksmith, to come and unlock the residence.
At 7:46 p.m. on June 21, an officer visited the 400 block of Greeves St. in an attempt to locate John Brooks. The resident there would not allow entry.
At 9:08 p.m. on June 21, police responded to a medical alert assistance call in the 400 block of Biddle St. The life alert activation was accidental. The officer spoke with the individual and determined everything was OK.
June 22, 2024
At 2:59 p.m. on June 22, police received a call from someone asking for areas to park a truck and trailer in the borough. The officer gave the person some ideas.
At 7:15 p.m. on June 22, police were called in reference to a found dog. The caller stated she found a small dog in East Kane and asked for assistance from the police. The officer had spoken with the dog’s owner at a gas station previously, and called the owner to reunite them with their dog.
At 7:21 p.m. on June 22, police received a call from a female in regards to losing a wallet in Evergreen Park. Wallet was later found.
At 9:00 p.m. on June 22, police received a “weird” phone call. Caller was a known male that had called 911 to state that he was going to need an ambulance, but that he was not ready at this time. He would call when he was ready.
At 11:52 p.m. on June 22, police were dispatched to another possible burglary at 133 Hacker St. On this occasion, it was the girlfriend of John Brooks. The suspects were the owner of the property and her son with eviction papers. Officers stated that it was a civil matter.
June 23, 2024
At 12:15 a.m. on June 23, police were called for a possible assault in the 100 block of Pine st. The caller, a 23 year old male, stated that he had been punched by a known individual. Officers tried to locate that individual and were not successful.
At 9:53 a.m. on June 23, police received a call for possible criminal mischief/theft. Report of red sleeve from Country Fair parking barriers stolen. Video showed white male taking it from the West side of the building and running off with it. The suspect later put it in his brother's vehicle and damaged his ignition interlocking system. The officer found the sleeve in the front yard of a residence in the 200 block of Haines St.
At 2:06 p.m. on June 23, police received a call in reference to the harassment complaint the night before. The father of the victim stated that the suspect is trying to contact the victim. The father asked the officer to call the suspect in regard to the investigation.
At 3:00 p.m. on June 23, police made contact with John Brooks and talked him into turning himself in. An officer transported him to the Mckean County Jail.
June 24, 2024
At 7:01 a.m. on June 24, police responded to a call for public assistance with a diabetic emergency. The officer assisted Medic 5’s EMTS with the call.
At 8:49 a.m on June 24, an officer was sent to Smethport for a Child Advocacy Center interview.
At 2:24 p.m. on June 24, a call was made in an attempt to follow up with the victim of an assault on June 23. The officer wasn’t able to reach the victim or the victim’s father. The officer was later able to reach the suspect and informed him that he would be getting charged with harassment.
At 2:29 p.m. on June 24, police received a call for possible theft on Chase St. from the Catholic Church parking lot. Early Sunday morning, a handicapped pole sleeve was taken from the church. After reviewing video footage, the same suspect from the previous, similar incident at Country Fair was identified as taking the sleeve. The officer made contact with this suspect and he admitted to taking it. The officer asked that suspect to return it to the Catholic Church. The church decided not to press charges after their property was returned.
At 6:14 p.m. on June 24, police received a call in reference to a hit and run that happened in the parking lot next to the liquor store on Fraley St. An unknown vehicle backed up in the parking lot and hit a young male’s motorcycle, knocking it over and doing minor damage. There are no suspects at this time. Call the Kane Borough Police Department with any information regarding the incident.
At 7:29 p.m. on June 24, police were called to an unattended death in the 200 block of Dawson St. A 31 year old female was found laying on a living room couch in a slightly odd position. It was determined that she had passed sometime before. The officer contacted the Chief of Police, the District Attorney, and the County Coroner. The death is still under investigation.