NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has narrowed down his choices for vice president as he gets ready to reveal his selection shortly before — or maybe even during — the upcoming Republican National Convention.
He revealed to journalists on Saturday that he has already made his decision and the chosen individual will be present on Thursday night in Atlanta for the first debate of the general election campaign against Democratic President Joe Biden.
If Trump were to secure a second term, his pick for vice president would likely be the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in the next four years. The chosen candidate will be expected to display unwavering loyalty to Trump and his allies at all times.
After Vice President Mike Pence refused to support Trump’s attempts to overturn the election results based on false theories, Trump turned against him. Pence has not publicly endorsed Trump for a second term.
Trump has emphasized that the main criteria for a vice president is whether they are capable of taking over as commander-in-chief.
Other factors that will be considered include fundraising abilities, television presence, effectiveness in debates against Vice President Kamala Harris, potential overshadowing of Trump, and appearance.
Trump’s campaign has cautioned against any claims of knowing who or when President Trump will announce his VP choice, stating that only Donald J. Trump truly knows.
Given Trump’s unpredictable nature, plans could change leading up to the convention.
Here is a look at the top contenders heading into the convention in Milwaukee starting July 15.
Doug Burgum
Trump has a preference for wealthy individuals and North Dakota’s governor fits the bill.
Burgum led a software company acquired by Microsoft for over $1 billion before becoming governor. He has experience in real estate development, venture capital, and even ran his own White House campaign.
In 2024, Burgum initially ran against Trump for the nomination but later dropped out and endorsed Trump. He has since been a visible defender of Trump, frequently appearing with him at events and fundraisers.
Burgum, 67, is considered a safe choice that aligns with Pence’s profile as a calm governor with limited recognition on a national scale. He is not likely to overshadow Trump or spark 2028 speculation.
Burgum also brings financial resources and connections to the table.
However, some question whether the Republican Party wants two older white men on the ticket.
JD Vance
Rising to prominence with his bestselling memoir, Vance has served in the Senate for less than two years. He has been fervently supportive of Trump’s agenda on foreign policy, trade, and immigration.
Despite past criticism of Trump, Vance has developed a close relationship with the former president and has become a prominent voice in conservative media. He has engaged in fundraising events with Trump and has been a vocal advocate for him.
Vance, 39, would bring energy to the campaign and present a stark contrast to the older candidates. A debate between Vance and Harris would likely be intense.
However, Trump may have lingering concerns about Vance’s previous remarks criticizing him.
In 2016, Vance disparaged Trump, but has since praised his performance and criticized liberals for misinterpreting Trumpism.
Marco Rubio
Choosing Rubio could broaden the ticket’s appeal, especially among donors and moderate Republicans put off by Trump’s rhetoric. Rubio is respected for his foreign policy and national security expertise, speaks Spanish, and could help Trump win over Hispanic voters.
Although Rubio and Trump were fierce opponents in 2016, with Trump mocking Rubio and Rubio questioning Trump’s integrity, Rubio now appears to be a potential candidate for VP.
However, the two candidates cannot be from the same state according to the Constitution, meaning Rubio would need to change his residency.
There are also doubts about Rubio’s interest in the position, as he has not been as active as some other contenders.
Tim Scott
As the only Black Republican in the Senate, Scott brings racial diversity and a religious background to the GOP ticket. He has worked closely with Trump on policy issues and has endorsed Trump’s campaign after failing to gain traction in his own bid.
Scott, known for his inspirational speeches and extensive outreach efforts, continues to make appearances in support of Trump and has launched campaigns to attract minority voters.
Despite his strong surrogate role, questions remain about how he would fare in a debate with Harris.
Elise Stefanik
Stefanik could help Trump win over educated and suburban women who leaned towards Biden in the previous election. She transitioned from a former aide to Trump advocate during his presidency.
A vocal defender of Trump during impeachment trials, Stefanik has positioned herself as a reliable ally to Trump on Capitol Hill.
However, doubts linger about her experience in national politics as a House member.
Ben Carson
Carson, who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Trump administration, has built a strong bond with Trump over the years despite initial rivalry in 2016.
A renowned neurosurgeon, Carson could appeal to minority voters as the first Black person on a Republican presidential ticket. However, his controversial remarks on certain issues could pose challenges for the ticket.
Byron Donalds
As a prominent Black supporter of Trump, Donalds could help bolster Trump’s standing among Black voters, particularly younger men. However, his controversial statements and potential residency issues may present obstacles to his selection.
Donalds, like Rubio, may need to relocate to meet the requirements for candidacy. Concerns over his past remarks and comments could also impact his chances of being chosen as Trump’s VP.
