Donald Trump’s Potential Vice Presidential Picks: An Ever-Changing List
In recent months, former President Donald Trump has been actively seeking opinions from his allies, donors, and Mar-a-Lago members regarding potential running mates for the 2024 Republican presidential ticket. Trump’s list of potential candidates includes Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, former Trump Cabinet official Ben Carson, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and others.
Trump’s interest in potential vice presidential candidates is subject to frequent changes, often influenced by recent conversations with various allies. One Trump adviser shared that “one day he’s trashing someone, and the next day he is asking allies about that person as vice president. Sometimes he’s just curious what people think of them.”
As of late, Trump has expressed increased interest in Marco Rubio, JD Vance, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. However, Trump advisers have indicated that he is nowhere near making a formal decision on this matter. Many of these potential candidates have yet to be personally discussed the role with Trump himself, according to conversations with people close to them.
Trump’s campaign has compiled a list of more than a dozen potential vice presidential picks to be vetted. While the campaign is tracking names, sources cautioned that Trump would ultimately make the decision on whom he would share the ticket with, regardless of whether they have been vetted or not.
Trump has indicated that he will announce a vice presidential pick in the early summer before the Republican convention. He had initially considered making an announcement shortly after securing enough delegates to win the GOP nomination but may yet decide on an earlier announcement.
There are pros and cons to each timeline for announcing a running mate. Announcing early would enable the campaign to potentially fundraise off the selection, while an announcement later can create suspense and increase attention around Trump as Republicans jockey to serve as his second-in-command.
Recently, Trump has told allies that it does not matter whom he picks as a running mate, but he is looking for someone who could potentially help him with specific voting blocs with whom he may be more vulnerable.
Marco Rubio, Florida senator and Trump’s former rival during the 2016 GOP presidential primary, has emerged as a surprising contender for the role. Despite past clashes between them, Trump’s consideration of Rubio is “very much real,” according to one source with direct knowledge of the discussions. Trump reportedly appreciates Rubio’s Hispanic heritage, youth, speaking abilities, and charisma.
However, there is a delegate issue to consider if Trump selects Rubio as his running mate due to both being residents of Florida. While there is no law preventing a president and vice president from the same state, Article II of the Constitution prohibits electors in each state from voting for two people from the same state. This could be particularly relevant in a close election and is something that the Trump campaign predicts will occur in 2024.
Rubio has not discussed this matter with Trump or anyone on his campaign, and he dismissed any concerns about the issue in a recent interview with conservative radio host Glenn Beck. Despite Trump’s expressed interest in Rubio, it remains to be seen whether this potential complication will impact his consideration of the Florida senator for the role.
Meanwhile, Trump’s team is also preparing to fill hundreds of administration jobs if he is elected in 2024. Project 2025, a transition effort run by the conservative Heritage Foundation, is compiling a database of loyalist applicants to build out potential staff. Trump’s most trusted former aide, John McEntee, is consulting on the personnel part of the project.
In summary, Donald Trump continues to consider various potential running mates for the 2024 Republican presidential ticket. Despite a lengthy list of candidates, he has yet to make a formal decision and is seeking input from allies, donors, and Mar-a-Lago members. Marco Rubio has emerged as a surprising contender due to his Hispanic heritage, youth, speaking abilities, and charisma, but there are delegate-related complications that could impact his selection. Trump’s team is also preparing to fill hundreds of administration jobs if he is elected.