TAMPA, Fla. — Attending the Republican National Convention for the first time, Jake Hoffman — the executive director of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans — said there were a lot of highlights from his trip.

What You Need To Know

  • JD Vance was chosen as former President Donald Trump's running mate for the election.  

  • Jake Hoffman attended the RNC as a representative of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans and as an alternate delegate

  • Hoffman describes Vance as an excellent choice to run with Trump

From the atmosphere, to hearing former President Donald Trump speak, to JD Vance being chosen as his running mate, he said the energy was electric.

"When he made the announcement for JD Vance, I don't know if people were surprised," Hoffman said. "I think there were a lot of people who expected him. He was always a front runner there, but it means a lot to young Republicans."

Hoffman said he wasn't sure who the former president would choose, and was even keeping an eye on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

With Vance chosen, Hoffman said this is a proud moment for their organization. 

"This is the first young Republican nominated for vice president in about 70 years," he said. "That was a really big deal for the young Republican organization, that we have someone who is under the age of 40. I think JD Vance is an excellent choice. I think he's going to do a really good job. I think that he is what we want."

Hoffman attended the RNC as a representative of his organization and as an alternate delegate.