Ohio State, others react to JD Vance being picked as vice president candidate

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With Sen. JD Vance being the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio is once again in the political spotlight, with some reaction coming from the campus of Ohio State University, Vance’s alma mater.

The Ohio State University College Republicans shared a photo with Vance on Instagram with the caption, "Today is a great day for America, a great day for J.D. Vance, and a great day for OSUCRs." College Democrats of Ohio shared a statement on Instagram. In part it said the group did not think Vance was fit to serve as senator and does not think he is fit to serve a higher role.

Since it is summer, it is quieter on campus, but NBC4 tried to speak with those on campus about the Vance news. At least seven people said they did not know much or anything about Vance. A couple of incoming freshmen said his connection to OSU will make them follow the race more closely.

“Now that I learned JD Vance was someone from Ohio State University, I'll definitely be looking more into it,” Rishivarshil Nelakurti said. “I'm kind of interested to see what his platform is now, especially since he’s representing us.”

While Nelakurti knew of Vance, he said he did not previously know the vice presidential nominee was a graduate of OSU.

“I haven't really been following the political race so far, but I know with all the political controversies that’s been happening with the upcoming election, I know we need to be united more than ever," he said.

Ohio State University President Ted Carter also posted Monday night on social media, noting Vance's connection to the school.

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) on Tuesday shared some of her thoughts about Vance, saying she was not surprised he was selected by former Trump.

"It makes me take pause that if just a year ago, you could say I'm not a Trump person, if you equated him to Hitler and said all these things -- I'm not saying these things. I'm just repeating what vice president candidate JD Vance said about the person now he’s attaching himself to," she said.

Michael Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, is a delegate for Ohio at the Republican National Convention. He said the Ohio delegation is thrilled with the Vance news.

"It was an incredible moment for the Ohio delegation, for all Ohioans,” he said. “Look, regardless if you’re Democrat or Republican or independent, an Ohioan, one of our own, a buckeye, was selected to be the vice presidential nomination for a major political party.”