Trump Set To Reveal His Vice Presidential Pick For 2024 Election: Who Are The Top Contenders

Former President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that he has decided on his vice presidential pick.

During a campaign stop in Philadelphia, Trump told NBC News that he knows who his running mate will be and hinted that this person will likely be present at Thursday’s debate against President Joe Biden.

“They’ll be there,” Trump stated, adding that “nobody knows” his choice yet.

Possible Contenders for Trump Vice President

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Ohio Senator JD Vance are reportedly being considered the top two finalists for the vice presidential slot.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio is also in contention, though there would be a constitutional issue requiring either Trump or Rubio to establish residency outside of Florida if he were selected.

Trump is holding informal policy sessions with confidantes in the lead-up to the debate, including possible vice presidential contenders.

Vance spoke with Trump about the economy and inflation, and Rubio met with Trump when the former president was in D.C. earlier this month.

His Saturday comments came during a stop at a local Philadelphia restaurant ahead of a rally.

Pennsylvania is expected to be a vital swing state on the road to the White House.

Biden flipped Pennsylvania blue in 2020 and continues to campaign across the state as the election approaches.

Other Potential Trump Vice Presidential Candidates in Consideration

Tim Scott
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has also been considered a potential vice presidential pick. Scott, who suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination in November, has remained closely aligned with Trump.

Appointed to the Senate in 2013, Scott has a conservative voting record and has rarely broken with Trump during his presidency.

Scott is among the candidates who underwent the vice-presidential vetting process.

Elise Stefanik
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik has emerged as one of Trump’s ardent supporters in Congress, despite her initial skepticism during the 2016 campaign.

She defended Trump during his 2019 impeachment trial and objected to Biden’s 2020 win in the House.

Stefanik has publicly expressed interest in becoming Trump’s running mate or securing a Cabinet position if he wins.

Tulsi Gabbard
Former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent, has also been considered for Trump’s vice presidential pick.

Gabbard has praised and defended Trump in recent months and has expressed interest in joining the ticket.

Gabbard, a veteran, made history as the first American Samoan woman and first practicing Hindu member of Congress.

She has previously been considered by Trump for roles in the Defense Department, State Department, and the United Nations.

Criteria for Selection

Trump’s senior adviser, Brian Hughes, emphasized that the campaign’s primary criterion for selecting a running mate is finding “a strong leader who will make a great President for eight years after his next four-year term concludes.”

Trump has been holding informal policy sessions with confidantes, including possible vice presidential contenders.

These sessions have included discussions with JD Vance about the economy and inflation, and a meeting with Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.

Gabbard has publicly expressed interest in joining the ticket, telling an audience in response to a question at a book event, “If asked to serve in that way, I would be honored to do so,” according to the New York Times.

Timing of Announcement

Trump mentioned that he plans to announce his vice presidential pick “right around the convention,” which is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee.

He left open the possibility of making the announcement a little before the convention but also suggested it could happen at the convention itself.

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