The News

Clinton Chooses Tim Kaine as Running Mate

Friday July 22, 2016 Newport, RI Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, a leading contender to be Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's pick for VP attended a private fundraiser event in Newport, RI hosted by fellow Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island. Here Senator Kaine waves to media as his car drives past on the way to a tent at the Newport Shipyard where the fundraising event took place. Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach

WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton says in a text message to supporters that she’s picked Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine to join her on the Democratic ticket as their party’s nominee for vice president.

In the message, Clinton says: “I’m thrilled to tell you this first: I’ve chosen Sen. Tim Kaine as my running mate.”

Kaine is expected to join Clinton at a rally in Florida on Saturday.

A favorite since the start of Clinton’s search for a running mate, Kaine is a former governor of the battleground state and former mayor of Richmond.

Kaine won election to the Senate four years ago after serving as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Clinton is choosing Kaine from a group that included Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.