Trump Vice-President Pick: Who Will Be the Republican’s Running Mate?

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.