Donald Trump, following his recent conviction on 34 felony charges, is zeroing in on four potential vice-presidential candidates, all male, for his 2024 election bid, according to a new report by NBC News. Amidst ongoing legal battles, the former president has been actively involved in evaluating potential running mates.
Trump, the first U.S. president to be prosecuted, was found guilty last week in New York of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment. Despite these legal woes, his campaign for re-election is pressing ahead. Sources close to the campaign shared that Trump has received vetting materials from several candidates, signaling a narrowing of his VP search.
The contenders reportedly include North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and U.S. Senators Marco Rubio from Florida, Tim Scott from South Carolina, and JD Vance of Ohio. An insider noted a particular focus on Burgum, Rubio, and Vance, indicating a three-way contest shaping up for the VP spot.
At a recent Mar-a-Lago event, Trump gathered numerous vice-presidential hopefuls for a closed-door fundraiser. “This weekend, we had 15 people. … They’re all out there campaigning,” Trump remarked to Spectrum News 1 in Wisconsin, hinting at the competitive nature of the selection process. “It might actually be more effective this way because, you know, every one of them thinks they could be chosen, which I guess possibly is so.”
Pundits and oddsmakers are keeping a keen eye on the developments, with Tim Scott currently leading as the favorite, followed by Burgum and Vance, with Rubio trailing. The selection process remains fluid, and Trump has indicated that his decision may not be finalized until the GOP convention in Milwaukee.
In addition to these four, other notable figures being considered include South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York, Byron Donalds of Florida, and Ben Carson, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary under Trump’s administration. The selection process continues to evolve as Trump gears up for the official nomination at the convention, where he is expected to be named the Republican candidate for president once again.