It’s official. Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton‘s vice presidential pick is Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
The announcement came following a Tampa, Florida, rally on Friday night, though it was rumored Clinton would make her VP pick official prior to the event. The Clinton campaign sent out a text to supporters mere hours after the campaign stop. Clinton also took to Twitter to post the news.
I’m thrilled to announce my running mate, @TimKaine, a man who’s devoted his life to fighting for others. -H pic.twitter.com/lTVyfztE5Z
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 23, 2016
According to ABC News reporter Liz Kreutz, the mass shooting in Munich did not affect the timing of Clinton confirming her VP pick.
Per an aide, Clinton’s VP announcement plan has so far not changed because of Munich.
— Liz Kreutz (@LizKreutzNews) July 22, 2016
This major development for the Democratic party comes mere days before its quadrennial national convention and just one day after the Republican National Convention. The RNC was fresh in Clinton’s mind as she spoke at the Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall.
The former secretary of state picked apart Republican nominee Donald Trump‘s closing remarks from Thursday night, criticizing his claim that he could singlehandedly fix the country. She cited Ted Cruz’s plea to conservatives to “vote your conscience,” noting the wave of boos flooding the Quicken Loans Arena as Cruz left the stage on Wednesday.
Kaine boosts the Clinton campaign in an important battleground state that he’s been serving his entire political career—first as mayor of Richmond, then governor, and now senator. The career politician had already been rumored to be on Clinton’s shortlist, having publicly endorsed her and campaigned for her during the primaries.
Clinton’s text message announcement was fairly straightforward, telling supporters that she was “thrilled to tell you this first.”
The former secretary of state’s website is now emblazoned with a “Welcome Tim to the team!” message. It’s worth noting that someone else has gotten ahold of the ClintonKaine.com domain. The website showcases fanfiction based off the duo’s Democratic campaign—but with a Harry Potter twist.
Clinton and Kaine are certainly hoping for some magic when they make it to Philadelphia for the DNC next week, running from July 25 to 28.
