The Republican 'veepstakes' begin: Who will be Donald Trump's running mate?

With Donald Trump and US President Joe Biden emerging as the frontrunners in their respective party primaries, attention now turns to the question looming over the November US presidential ballot: Who will Trump select as his running mate?

Dubbed the “veepstakes,” the speculation surrounding Trump’s choice reached new heights over last weekend as he invited several top contenders onstage at a high-dollar Republican fundraiser held at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Many viewed this event as an audition of sorts for hopefuls vying for the vice presidential slot.

According to recent media reports, Trump has ramped up his search in recent weeks, relishing the opportunity to assess potential running mates. The list of contenders is extensive, with numerous names being floated, ranging from the plausible to the more improbable.

Who is being considered?

Among the frequently suggested options are South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

However, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, once considered a top contender, faced a setback after reports emerged of her involvement in the death of her family dog years ago.

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Notably absent from speculation is Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence. Pence’s refusal to heed Trump’s demands to block the certification of the 2020 election led to his fall from grace among Trump’s supporters. Despite briefly entering the race for the GOP nomination last year, Pence has made it clear that he will not support Trump’s 2024 campaign. As Trump’s vice presidential selection process unfolds, the political world eagerly awaits his decision.

What has Trump said about each of them?

Trump seems to prize loyalty over everything else, reported CNN. In an audio recording obtained by Axios, Trump at the private luncheon commented on each of the following lawmakers, giving some “insight” into his thinking:

• Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) — “His name is coming up a lot for vice president!"

• Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) — “As a candidate he did a good job, but as a surrogate he’s unbelievable."

• Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) — “He wasn’t a supporter of mine at the very beginning… He was saying things like ’the guy’s a total disaster’…any ways I got to know him a little bit… As a non politician, he’s become one of the great senators."

• Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) — “I love your haircut! … And he’s a good man too."

• Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) — “[When she ran in 2018] she was like the energizer bunny. She would go from stop to stop to stop."

• North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — “I didn’t know this: He was a supporter of my two campaigns. He’s a very rich man."

• South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem — “Somebody that I love. She’s been with me, a supporter of mine and I’ve been a supporter of hers for a long time. “

• Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) — “A very smart person. She was in upstate New York when I met her…little did we realise she would be such a big factor."

• Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) — “Somebody who’s created something very special politically…I like diversity. Diversité as you would say. I like diversité. [Donors] worth millions of dollars…all want a piece of Byron."

• Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Tex.) — “Another friend of mine… makes the best commercials…beautiful family."

• Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) — “A man that knows more about the military. When I want to know about the military, I call him."

When can we expect Trump to reach a decision?

Looking back at recent history, it’s likely that Trump will choose his running mate during the summer, around the time of the Republican National Convention scheduled for 15 July to 18 July in Milwaukee.

Trump selected Pence on 15 July in 2016, revealing his decision via a tweet. Similarly, Hillary Clinton announced her choice of Sen. Tim Kaine a week later, also through a tweet, on 22 July, reported CNN.

Joe Biden disclosed his selection of Kamala Harris on 11 August, 2020, in an email to supporters.

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Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate in 2012, announced his selection of then-Rep. Paul Ryan from Wisconsin on 11 August.

In 2008, the announcements came later. Barack Obama revealed Biden as his pick in a text message to supporters on 23 August. That same year, the Republican nominee, McCain, announced his selection of Palin on 29 August.

Typically, these announcements occur a few days or a week before the party’s national convention. However, there are instances, such as Democrats in 2004 and Republicans in 2012, when the pick is made two weeks before the convention.

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While historically, selecting a running mate would happen at the convention itself, the last time this occurred was in 1988.

Under the US 12th Amendment, if Trump, currently residing in Florida, were to select a running mate also residing in Florida, Florida’s electors would be prohibited from voting for both Trump and his running mate in the electoral college. This issue was addressed in 2000 when Governor of Texas George W. Bush chose Dick Cheney, who also lived in Texas. To avoid any conflict with Texas’ crucial electoral votes, Cheney changed his voter registration to Wyoming.

With inputs from agencies