As the 2024 election ramps up, Former President, Donald Trump, has begun asking potential VP candidates for the necessary documents and materials to initiate the Vice President Vetting Process, officials have been reporting. While Trump has said he won’t announce his pick until much closer to the RNC convention in July, the lengthy process requires some initiation early on.
This stage involves a comprehensive review of public records and available information about the potential candidates. Teams of vetting lawyers usually conduct this process, examining aspects such as voting records, public statements, financial information, and personal background
Some candidates have been asked to submit more documents and paperwork as compared to others; a possible indication of how closely they’re being watched and reviewed by the campaign.
As pundits and political analysts engage in speculation, the veepstakes for the 2024 GOP primary promise to be a pivotal and closely monitored aspect of the upcoming election cycle.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina
Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, is emerging as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump. He is launching a $14 million campaign targeting minority voters in seven key swing states. This effort is seen as a strategic move to win over Black and other nonwhite working-class voters, which could be a deciding factor in the upcoming November elections. Scott’s push comes as Trump’s campaign is also ramping up its outreach efforts to Hispanic and Black voters, especially Black men, in his expected rematch against President Joe Biden. Scott believes that with Trump atop the ticket, Republicans have a unique opportunity to chip into Democrats’ historic dominance with minority voters. The new campaign will be run by Scott’s Great Opportunity PAC, which was formed after he suspended his campaign for the GOP nomination last year. The group aims to win over more than 1 million potential voters it has identified in Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has emerged as a top contender to become Donald Trump’s running mate. He is known for his disciplined campaign and significant experience. Cotton, an Army veteran who served in combat in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, has been a rising star in Republican Party politics. Cotton endorsed the former president in early January, two weeks ahead of the Iowa caucuses. This endorsement and his strong political profile have put him in the spotlight for the Vice Presidential nomination. He has diligently avoided criticizing Trump and reportedly maintains a good working relationship with old-guard leaders like Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. Cotton’s potential as a running mate is further highlighted by his active participation in the campaign trail on behalf of fellow Republicans running in the midterm elections. His frequent visits to Iowa and New Hampshire, states that lead off the GOP’s presidential nominating calendar, indicate his commitment to the party. As of now, Cotton is among the top five people considered favorites for the coveted vice presidential nomination. His disciplined approach, experience, and ability to run a disciplined campaign make him a strong contender.
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York
Elise Stefanik, the U.S. Representative who has served five terms representing the North Country and parts of the Capital Region, is reportedly on the shortlist for former President Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick. Stefanik has gained national attention for her staunch support of Trump, especially during his impeachment proceedings. She has also received recognition for her questioning of university presidents about antisemitism on campuses during congressional hearings. Stefanik’s chances of being chosen as Trump’s running mate are considered significant. British company Betfair is offering odds of 9/2, or an 18 percent chance, on Stefanik sharing the ticket with Trump. This places her ahead of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has odds of 6/1, equating to a 15 percent chance. However, the final decision will not be made until the Republican National Convention, where delegates will vote to choose their nominees. If Stefanik is picked as Trump’s running mate, she would have to drop out of the race for reelection in New York’s 21st Congressional District1.
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida
Marco Rubio, the senior United States senator from Florida, is reportedly being considered as a potential vice presidential pick for Donald Trump. Rubio, who has served in the Senate since 2011, has gained national attention for his work in Congress. Rubio’s name has been mentioned alongside other potential VP candidates such as Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and others. Despite having opposed many of Trump’s policies in the past, particularly on immigration and Ukraine, Rubio has been gradually shifting his public opinions to align with the presumptive GOP presidential candidate. However, there could be a constitutional dilemma if Rubio were to be chosen as Trump’s running mate. According to Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution, if the presidential and vice presidential candidate come from the same state, the electors from that state cannot vote for both. Since both Trump and Rubio are Floridians, this could potentially pose a problem. Despite these challenges, Rubio’s chances of being chosen as Trump’s running mate are still significant.
Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida
Byron Donalds is a Republican representative from Florida who has been mentioned as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Donalds has been visible in his support for Trump, even appearing in New York during Trump’s legal case. He was quick to defend Trump after the verdict, stating, “Donald Trump is innocent. To hell with what the jury said.” However, it’s important to note that the competition for the vice presidential spot on the ticket is intense. Several other potential running mates have also been vocal in their support for Trump and have been actively demonstrating their loyalty. According to a poll of CPAC attendees, Donalds received 7% support. While Donalds is certainly a contender, the final decision will likely depend on a variety of factors, including the political climate, the strategic needs of the campaign, and Trump’s personal preference.
Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson
Ben Carson, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration, is considered a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Despite not being as visible on the campaign trail as other potential VP candidates, Carson remains in contention. Carson has been notably absent from recent Trump fundraisers, rallies, and the former president’s trial in New York. Instead, he has embarked on a publicity tour to promote a new book. His absence from the Trump spectacle has been notable, and he was the only major VP candidate who didn’t attend a closed-door Republican donor retreat in Florida. Despite this, Carson’s name continues to be mentioned in the mix, but it is unclear why. While other potential running mates are flashier and appear hungrier for the job, they are less established and come with potential liabilities. This makes Carson, a loyal former Cabinet member, a strong contender.
Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio
J.D. Vance, the junior senator from Ohio, is a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Vance has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s policies on the economy, immigration, and Ukraine. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 after a career as a venture capitalist. He is also the author of Hillbilly Elegy, a 2016 memoir based on his upbringing in a working-class family that reflected on the social, economic, and cultural pressures facing the Appalachian community he grew up in. Vance’s early public commentary included sharp criticism of then-presidential candidate Trump, in which he voiced skepticism about Trump’s commitment to the working class and questioned his suitability for the role of president. However, Vance’s views evolved significantly as Trump’s presidency unfolded, aligning more closely with Trump’s policies and political style. By the time Vance ran for the Senate, he had not only embraced many of Trump’s policies but also sought and received Trump’s endorsement during his campaign. Vance’s legislative focus has been on economic issues, particularly those affecting industrial and rural communities. His political journey from a critic to a supporter of Trump highlights a broader shift within the Republican Party.
Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota
Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, is a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Burgum, who ran a longshot campaign to be the 2024 Republican candidate before dropping out and endorsing Trump last December, has seen his odds of being the next potential GOP vice president increase following his recent appearance at a Trump rally in New Jersey. Burgum’s name being considered among the favorites to be Trump’s running mate comes after South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem seems to have severely damaged her chances amid backlash she received for revealing in her book that she shot and killed her 14-month-old farm dog because of its aggressive behavior 20 years ago.
Notable Absences
Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota
Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, was once considered a strong contender for Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election. However, her chances have significantly diminished recently. Noem’s decline began with a series of controversies and questionable decisions2. One of the most notable incidents was the revelation in her memoir that she shot her young dog because it was “untrainable” and exhibited aggression. This revelation was met with widespread criticism and condemnation. In addition to this, Noem’s absence from key Trump events and her focus on promoting her new book rather than actively campaigning have also raised questions about her commitment. These factors, combined with what sources familiar with the running mate talks called Noem’s “over-auditioning” and questions about her judgment, appear to have seriously weakened her chances. As a result, her odds of being selected as Trump’s running mate have fallen dramatically. According to Polymarket, a platform where users can place “yes” or “no” bets on the likelihood of world events, Noem’s chances have dropped to a mere 3 percent.
Former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and a prominent figure in the Republican Party, was once considered a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. However, Trump has publicly stated that Haley is no longer under consideration for the Vice President slot. Haley launched her presidential campaign in February 2023, becoming the first major candidate to challenge Trump, who had announced his candidacy three months earlier. She was the final rival to Trump, battling the former president in a two-candidate showdown from the New Hampshire primary in late January through Super Tuesday in early March. However, Haley suspended her White House campaign on March 6, one day after Trump swept 14 of 15 GOP nominating contests on Super Tuesday. Despite suspending her campaign, Haley has continued to win votes in the Republican primaries, even though she’s long gone from the presidential nomination race. To date, Haley has declined to endorse Trump. She has not spoken with Trump since exiting the race. Trump’s public dismissal of Haley as a potential running mate came after a report from Axios claimed Haley was in the running to be Trump’s nominee for vice president. In response, Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social, “Nikki Haley is not under consideration for the V.P. slot, but I wish her well!”
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech mogul and former 2024 GOP candidate, was once considered a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. However, Trump has publicly stated that Ramaswamy is no longer under consideration for the Vice President slot. Ramaswamy ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries and quickly endorsed him after dropping out following the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses. Despite his early exit from the race, Ramaswamy has been a prominent surrogate for Trump on the campaign trail. His close proximity to the former president had fueled VP speculation. However, Trump officially rejected picking Ramaswamy as his running mate but is still considering him for a cabinet post. This decision was first reported by Bloomberg, which identified Ramaswamy as a contender for Homeland Security secretary, among other positions. Despite the speculation, Ramaswamy’s spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, stated that Ramaswamy’s top focus is making sure Trump gets elected. This suggests that while Ramaswamy may not be Trump’s running mate, he remains a staunch supporter of the former president and his “Make America Great Again” movement.