Vance to focus on personal story in first speech as VP nominee

MILWAUKEE — Sen. JD Vance’s (R-Ohio) address to the Republican National Convention is expected to heavily focus on his personal story and how it ties in with some of former President Trump’s key issues.

Vance’s remarks will be his first speech since being tapped as Trump’s vice presidential nominee.

According to a source familiar with the planned address, Vance will touch on trade, immigration, foreign policy and the drug epidemic when he takes the stage at Fiserv Forum. 

“Expect a powerful story of a boy who grew up in poverty, with no father in his life, and a drug-addicted mother… who is on the verge of becoming the next VPOTUS,” the source familiar told The Hill, adding the speech will contain “a lot of bio.”

“A lot of people in middle America are going to see themselves and their community in his story. And it’s going to connect that life experience to the Trump policies,” the source continued. “Basically how his firsthand experience in that upbringing shaped his views on a lot of the biggest issues in the campaign.”

Trump named Vance as his running mate on Monday, opting for the Ohio Republican over Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R). He was considered the favored pick of Donald Trump Jr. 

The Ohio Republican’s remarks will be his first at the convention and his first public comments outside of media interviews since he was chosen for the post.

Vance appeared in the Trump family’s suite in the front row of the arena on Monday and Tuesday night.