Presidential candidate Ralph Nader will hold his first campaign rally with a new vice presidential running mate at an event in the Elliott School of International Affairs Thursday.

Nader, an independent, is scheduled to reveal the candidate’s name several hours earlier at the National Press Club.

“The press conference is the actual announcement, and the event at GW is basically the VP running mate’s coming out party.” said Chris Driscoll, interim media director for the campaign. He added they are anticipating about 300 people will attend, mostly local residents.

Both Nader and his vice presidential candidate are expected to speak.

Driscoll added they chose GW because “it was just purely convenient.” The campaign is based in the District, and the Elliott School had an auditorium with appropriate capacity.

The rally will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Harry Harding Auditorium. The cost is $2.