Who is JD Vance? Things to know about Donald Trump's 39-yr-old pick for VP

Former President Donald Trump on Monday chose US 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 Vanc