Republicans say JD Vance, 39, brings ‘fresh’ perspective and ‘younger voters’ to the GOP

GOP lawmakers reacted very differently to former President Donald Trump’s choice of Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his new vice president.

In classic Trump style, the ex-president and former TV executive kept the suspense going over who he would select as his right-hand man.

Ultimately, he announced in a Truth Social post on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that 39-year-old Senator Vance would join his candidates.

DailyMail.com spoke to elected Republicans and other party leaders to hear their reactions in the wake of the announcement.

Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told DailyMail.com: ‘Senator Vance is going to make a great vice president.’

The aforementioned vice presidential candidate, also from Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, gave DailyMail.com a glowing recommendation for his “longtime personal friend” and drinking buddy Vance.

The two attended Yale Law School together and graduated in 2013. Ramaswamy said they never imagined that years later they would find themselves at the center of Republican politics together.

“We didn’t even know then that we were the only two conservatives,” he added.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told DailyMail.com he is not disappointed with Trump’s choice, even though he was passed over for the job.

“Everyone wants to get moving and do something, but the whole campaign is about President Trump and winning.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he was “hoping” for Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, not J.D. Vance.

But his choice brings “younger voters” to the GOP party, which is an asset for the future.

Cramer called Vance an “honest intellectual populist,” with a smile. “He’ll be a great running mate, and a great vice president, and president if need be.”

Sen. Cornyn, who is in the running to replace Mitch McConnell as GOP leader, gave a lukewarm response.

“It’s a recognition that there’s a new generation that’s involved in politics,” he said of 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 lukewarm response

He offered some mild criticism of Vance’s opposition to sending more military aid to Ukraine.

Cornyn added: “I think he’s a great candidate and he’s really helped the president. I look forward to working with him.”

Former Chairman Kevin McCarthy called Vance a “great decision.”

“I think he’s going to help us tremendously in Pennsylvania and other states, especially in bringing new people to the party,” he told DailyMail.com.

Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says it doesn’t matter, even though Vance has only one year of experience in the Senate.

“Donald Trump had no experience whatsoever when he was elected, in terms of the time he was in office,” he said.

He went on to say there is more to it than experience, pointing to President Biden’s “failed” record that has spanned decades.

“Tenure is not an indicator of success,” he added.

“I think it’s going to be helpful across the country, especially in the Rust Belt. I mean, he’s the forgotten man and woman,” Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) said shortly after taking the stage at the convention.

“The platform has been built around that by the president. JD embodies it as well. He brings in technology, he brings in private equity. He has a great position on legislation on China and understands what they’re doing in their economic warfare. So I think he’s a great choice. It’s a great ticket.”

Orlando Sonza, a Republican candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives backed by Vance, called Vance a “fantastic choice” and was curious about his impact on turnout in his own House race.

“Having JD on the ballot will drive Republican enthusiasm and turnout to unprecedented heights.”

NRSC Chairman Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) congratulated his “friend” on the nomination.

“JD is a successful businessman, a Navy veteran, and has connections to the working-class voters we need to win this election. President Trump made a great choice by selecting JD Vance as vice president.”