Currently serving as a junior senator, Kaine, 58, has formerly served as the Mayor of Richmond. He was later elected Governor of Virginia, and served as chair of the Democratic National Committee between 2009 and 2011.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 23, 2016
Before serving in elected office, Kaine worked as a lawyer, specializing in fair housing law and represented clients discriminated against because of their race.
Clinton reportedly alerted Kaine of the news at 7:32 pm. She also informed President Barack Obama of her decision at 7:48.
While Kaine was a heavy favorite, Clinton was also considering Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez, and Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Secretary of Agriculter Tom Vilsack, and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.
Clinton will host a joint campaign appearance with her pick in Miami on Saturday. The Democratic National Convention kicks off next week, in which the former secretary of state will officially become the party's nominee. The vice presidential candidate traditionally gives a speech on Wednesday, the third day of the convention.
Clinton's Republican opponent Donald Trump officially accepted his party's nomination on Thursday, one week after selecting Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.