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Trump says he's decided on a running mate ahead of this Thursday's debate

During a Philadelphia campaign stop, Trump told a reporter he's decided on his vice presidential pick, saying "nobody knows" his choice yet.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally
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Former President Donald Trump says he has made up his mind on who he wants to be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

During a Philadelphia campaign stop, Trump told a reporter he's decided on his vice presidential pick, saying "nobody knows" his choice yet. He also said that the person will most likely be at CNN's presidential debate on Thursday.

Trump has said he plans to formally announce his VP pick around the time of the Republican National Convention, which will run from July 15th to July 18th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Aside from former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, nearly everyone remaining on Trump's short list for vice president are elected Republicans. They include:

  • Sen. J.D. Vance - Ohio
  • Rep. Elise Stefanik - New York
  • Gov. Doug Burgum - North Dakota
  • Sen. Marco Rubio - Florida
  • Sen. Tim Scott - South Carolina
  • Sen. Tom Cotton - Arkansas
  • Rep. Byron Donalds - Florida

Another name previously floated by Trump as a potential running mate is South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. She endorsed Trump early last fall.
Trump has said the top quality in a running mate is someone who can take over as president. If Trump wins election this year, his VP pick will likely also become a front-runner for the Republican nomination for president in 2028, since Trump would have then won a second term and would be constitutionally barred under the 22nd Amendment from serving as president again.

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