Former President Donald Trump is in the process of selecting a potential running mate for the upcoming presidential election, although the Republican National Convention is still months away. Sources close to the Trump campaign have mentioned several names that have been on the shortlist for months, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. However, there are indications that Trump may be starting to narrow down his list of potential candidates, with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and former Trump administration official and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders falling down in the rankings.
Governor Noem’s recent controversy involving the shooting of her dog has led to her slipping down on the list of potential vice presidential candidates. Despite her defense of the action based on state law, this incident may have impacted her standing with the Trump campaign. Likewise, Sarah Sanders’ endorsement of Trump coming late in his primary campaign has led to her stock dropping in Trump’s eyes. Sanders, who is the youngest governor in the country and seen as a rising star in the party, has also indicated that she is focused on serving as governor and has dismissed the idea of serving as vice president.
Senator Tim Scott is seen as a top contender for vice president by sources close to Trump. Scott has been praised by Trump for his work on various issues, including opportunities zones, school choice, and historically Black colleges. Scott’s potential selection could help Trump court Black voters, which have traditionally supported the Democratic party. Despite his prominence in the party, Scott has not made any public statements about whether he would want to serve as Trump’s vice president, emphasizing his focus on winning in 2024.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, another former 2024 presidential candidate, is also being considered as a potential VP pick by the Trump campaign. Burgum’s credentials as a solid conservative and his support for Trump during his own presidential candidacy have made him an attractive candidate. Other names on the shortlist include Senator Marco Rubio, who has worked with Trump on various issues during his time in the Senate, and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, who remains loyal to Trump after the events of January 6.
Representative Elise Stefanik, a staunch defender of Trump and a key member of his impeachment defense team, is also being mentioned as a potential running mate. Stefanik, at 39 years old, is seen as someone who could carry on the legacy of the MAGA movement that Trump started. Despite her strong support for Trump, Stefanik has not made any public statements about whether she would be willing to serve as his vice president. Overall, the selection of a running mate is a crucial decision for Trump as he looks ahead to the 2024 election.
