Donald Trump is set to announce his Republican running mate within days, ahead of the Republican party convention beginning on Monday in Wisconsin. Here’s a rundown of the top contenders and potential surprises.
JD Vance
JD Vance, 39, is the junior senator from Ohio and a former venture capitalist who wrote the best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” Initially a “never-Trumper,” Vance refashioned himself when he ran for the Senate in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement. Despite his preference to stay in the Senate, he hasn’t ruled out being vice-president.
Doug Burgum
Doug Burgum, 67, is the governor of North Dakota and one of Trump’s former primary opponents. A social conservative and fiscal hawk, Burgum has impressed Trump with his political know-how and low-drama demeanor, although his support for North Dakota’s strict abortion ban poses a slight issue.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio, 53, is a Florida senator who has worked closely with Trump since their contentious 2016 primary race. As a son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio could help Trump gain a larger share of the Latino vote. However, both Trump and Rubio reside in Florida, potentially complicating the electoral vote process.
Tim Scott
Tim Scott, 58, a prominent black Republican and senator from South Carolina, endorsed Trump after exiting the primary contest. Known for his optimistic conservatism, Scott has become a top contender following his enthusiastic support for Trump.
Byron Donalds
Byron Donalds, 45, a congressman from Florida, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and an advocate for black conservatism. Although he has been considered a potential running mate, recent reports suggest that his chances have diminished.
Elise Stefanik
Elise Stefanik, 40, is a New York congresswoman and a staunch defender of Trump. While she has expressed interest in serving in the Trump administration, she has not been mentioned among the top contenders recently.
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, 43, a former Democratic congresswoman and Iraq War veteran, is considered a dark horse candidate. Her history of criticizing the Obama administration and her 2020 presidential run have made her a controversial figure.
Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem, 52, the governor of South Dakota, was once a favorite among Trump supporters. However, her memoir, which included a controversial anecdote about shooting her dog, has hurt her chances.
Other Names in the Mix
- Ben Carson: Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
- Tom Cotton: Senator from Arkansas and foreign policy hawk.
- Vivek Ramaswamy: Biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate.
- Ron DeSantis: Florida governor and former presidential candidate.
- Nikki Haley: Former UN ambassador and primary candidate.
- Katie Britt: First-term senator from Alabama.
- Kari Lake: Former TV anchor and Republican nominee for US Senate in Arizona.
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders: Governor of Arkansas and former White House press secretary.
With the convention approaching, the anticipation builds as Trump prepares to reveal his running mate.
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