As we inch closer to the Republican National Convention next month, former President Donald Trump still has an important decision to make: Who will join him on the GOP ticket as his vice presidential nominee?
Aside from former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, nearly everyone remaining on Trump's short list are elected Republicans. They include:
- Sen. J.D. Vance - Ohio
- Rep. Elise Stefanik - New York
- Gov. Doug Burgum - North Dakota
- Sen. Marco Rubio - Florida
- Sen. Tim Scott - South Carolina
- Sen. Tom Cotton - Arkansas
- Rep. Byron Donalds - Florida
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Another name previously floated by Trump as a potential running mate is South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. She endorsed Trump early last fall, when many other Republican politicians hadn't chosen out of the crowded mix of hopefuls. Noem has also previously said she would consider running with the former president but not against him, stating no one else could win "as long as Trump's in the race."
The delay in naming a running mate has turned the race into somewhat of a reality show contest, with Republican surrogates taking to the airwaves in recent weeks to try and tout the former president's campaign. However, there are a number of important political calculations Trump must consider before making a pick.
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The former president isn't likely to choose someone who will overshadow him on the Republican ticket. Trump is also one of the oldest candidates to ever seek the office of the presidency, meaning his running mate could potentially have to step in — something many of the candidates are touting in their ability to do so.
While Trump can only pick one person to be his running mate on the 2024 Republican ticket, everyone on his short list could still find roles in a potential Trump administration should he win the election in November.
