As former President Donald Trump appears increasingly certain to nab the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, vice presidential tryouts are taking place earlier than ever.
Former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer remarked on how the process’s dynamics have changed, explaining, “It used to be that the standard answer was, ‘I have a job right now,’ and you wanted to downplay your interest.
“Now there’s outright auditions happening.”
The unusual 2024 Republican primary race, during which Trump has remained a dominant force, has ushered in early veepstakes, as Trump seems to have a de facto incumbent status.
Former presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) have been speculated for the running mate position in the last few weeks. The two men both endorsed Trump and stumped for him in person on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.
Asked by CNN’s Dana Bash if Scott wants to be Trump’s running mate, Scott deflected, saying he cares about electing Trump. But Bash noted that his answer was far from a no, which Scott did not dispute.
Others who are considered contenders for the role are Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD). Each of the women has endorsed Trump and joined him as a surrogate on the campaign trail.
A source close to Noem told the Washington Examiner the South Dakota governor had been eyeing the presidency but opted against making a bid after Trump entered the race. Trump joined Noem for a rally in her state, where she bestowed her endorsement on him last year. Noem was also present in Iowa to stump for Trump.
Lake is considered one of Trump’s best surrogates, appearing on the campaign trail more often than many others. The former Arizona governor candidate was on the ground campaigning for Trump in Iowa frequently ahead of his caucuses win.
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Stefanik has been one of the strongest pro-Trump voices in the House of Representatives, helping to keep loyalty to the former president alive among lawmakers. She joined Trump to campaign ahead of the New Hampshire primary, sparking additional vice president rumors.
Trump reportedly acknowledged the possibility of Stefanik as his No. 2 during a private dinner last month, saying: “She’s a killer.”
