Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has picked Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her vice-presidential running mate, reported The Guardian. The decision was made public ahead of the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia next week. Clinton will officially accept her party's nomination for president at the event.

Former governor and lieutenant governor of Virginia, Kaine has notable experience in foreign policy and international affairs. “Tim is a lifelong fighter for progressive causes and one of the most qualified vice presidential candidates in our nation’s history,” Clinton wrote in an email to supporters, according to Wall Street Journal.

In 2008, Kaine was one of the final contenders to join Barack Obama when he was running for president. The 58-year-old is considered a moderate Democrat. He was chosen from four top candidates. The US presidential election will be held in November.