Ohio Sen. JD Vance has intensified his attacks on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, accusing him of avoiding deployment to Iraq by leaving the Army National Guard to run for Congress in 2005.

Vance also claims Walz falsely stated he served in a combat zone. Walz retired two months before his unit was ordered to Iraq.

These criticisms are part of the effort to define Walz, who was recently chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.

Both VP candidates are military veterans, but their military records are under scrutiny as the campaign progresses, CNN has reported.

Walz’s 24-year military service is a key aspect of his appeal, but Vance argues Walz’s claims about his service are misleading.

Written by B.C. Begley