Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a wide array of potential running mates for his speculated 2024 presidential bid. The list of potential vice presidential candidates includes Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, former Trump Cabinet official Ben Carson, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, among others.
Trump’s interest in potential candidates is said to be fluid, often influenced by recent conversations with allies. His approach to the selection process is described as exploratory, frequently seeking opinions from allies, donors, and Mar-a-Lago members.
“Trump’s approach is unpredictable. One day he might be criticizing someone, the next day he’s considering them for VP. His curiosity about public opinion is a significant factor in this process,” a Trump adviser revealed.
Recently, Trump has shown a heightened interest in Rubio, Vance, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. However, sources close to the former president indicate that a formal decision is far from imminent.
Trump’s campaign has reportedly compiled a list of over a dozen potential vice presidential picks for vetting. However, the final decision rests solely with Trump, regardless of the vetting process.
Trump has privately indicated plans to announce his vice presidential pick in early summer, ahead of the Republican convention. The timing of the announcement is a strategic decision, with potential benefits for fundraising and generating public interest.
Despite the speculation surrounding his VP pick, Trump has reportedly told allies that the identity of his running mate is of secondary importance, asserting that he alone will carry the 2024 Republican ticket.
However, sources close to Trump acknowledge his political acumen and suggest he will consider a running mate’s potential to appeal to specific voting demographics where he may be vulnerable.
Among the potential candidates, Trump’s serious consideration of Rubio, with whom he had a contentious relationship during the 2016 GOP presidential primary, has surprised some close to the former president. Despite past disagreements, Trump’s consideration of Rubio is described as “very much real”.
Trump’s team is also preparing for the potential of filling hundreds of administration jobs, with Trump-aligned organizations vetting applicants to build out potential staff. The conservative Heritage Foundation’s transition effort, Project 2025, is expected to play a significant role in this process.