After vanquishing 16 party rivals, warring with much of the Republican establishment and sparking controversy at the party convention, Donald Trump on Tuesday (July 19)secured the party's 2016 nomination for the White House.
His eldest child, Donald Trump Jr., announced the support of New York, their home state, during a roll-call vote at the Republican National Convention, ensuring Trump had the majority of delegates - 1,237 - needed to contest the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Following the roll call of states U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan made the announcement.
"The following candidates received the following votes- 1,725 Trump. 475 Cruz. 120 Kasich, 114 Rubio, 7 Carson, 3 Bush, 2 Paul. Accordantly the chair announces that Donald J. Trump having received a majority of these votes entitled to be cast at the convention has been selected as the Republican party nominee for the president of the United States," Ryan announced.
Trump's Democratic rival, Clinton, was quick to respond, tweeting after the vote: "Donald Trump just became the Republican nominee. Chip in now to make sure he never steps foot in the Oval Office."
Republicans also nominated Indiana Governor Mike Pence, 57, Trump's choice for his vice presidential running mate on Tuesday.
The state-by-state vote to put Trump's name in nomination took place a day after opponents staged a failed attempt to force a vote opposing his candidacy, and after a speech by his wife, Melania, drew accusations of plagiarism.
A wealthy New York real estate developer and a reality TV celebrity, the 70-year-old Trump was a long shot when he entered the race for the Republican nomination more than a year ago, having never held elected office.
