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Here are all the top contenders to be Trump’s vice-presidential nominee in 2024

June 8, 20240
Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, shakes former Donald President Donald Trump’s hand

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Donalds, currently in just his second term, has risen rapidly in Congress. Conservatives opposed to Kevin McCarthy’s leadership put the Florida Republican forth as an alternative to the then-longtime House GOP leader. Donalds was later added to the powerful House Steering Committee after he switched his support to McCarthy and McCarthy went on to become speaker.

That wasn’t his only major flip. Donalds, who had previously been DeSantis’ close ally, endorsed Trump last April, part of a string of Florida Republicans that snubbed their governor to back the former president. Donalds has also been floated as a potential successor to DeSantis, who cannot run for reelection in 2026 due to consecutive term limits.

Donalds was also among the six potential names Ingraham suggested to the former president. Trump responded by saying, “They’re all good, they’re all solid.”

Like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Donalds would also have to deal with would likely be a liability in a general election.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii
Greene at the Capitol on January 11, 2024.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Greene, the fire-breathing conspiracy-minded congresswoman from Georgia, wouldn’t exactly be a tent-expanding choice for the former president.

But that hasn’t stopped her from talking up her own prospects.

“It’s talked about frequently and I know my name is on a list,” Greene told The Guardian in August. “But really my biggest focus right now is serving the district that elected me.”

A second-term legislator with no major policy accomplishments, Greene wouldn’t bring much to the equation when it comes to policy chops or broadening Trump’s appeal. In fact, it could damage the ticket, given her extremely poor polling.

Greene has also alienated top party leaders over her push to oust Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump has repeatedly praised Johnson as he tried to navigate Greene’s challenge.

Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama
Sanders delivers the GOP response to the State of the Union address on February 7, 2023.

Al Drago/Getty Images

No one on this list knows Trump like Sanders. As his second White House press secretary, Sanders turned her turn at the podium into a governorship. As Arkansas governor, she’s pursued an array of conservative policies.

She has endorsed Trump’s campaign, but she has hinted that she wouldn’t be interested in returning to the White House as vice president.

“Look, I absolutely love the job I have. I think it’s one of the best jobs I could ever ask for, and I am honored to serve as governor, and I hope I get to do it for the next seven years,” Sanders previously told CBS News.

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota
DeSantis in Derry, New Hampshire on January 17, 2024.

Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trump and his allies spent over a year ruthlessly attacking DeSantis. It was only toward the end of his disappointing primary that the 45-year-old began to return fire.

DeSantis did endorse Trump immediately after dropping out before New Hampshire, but the question remains if either side would want to repair their political alliance.

There appeared to be a brief peace, but that was thrown into after a top Trump campaign official tore into DeSantis. The public attack was in response to a report that DeSantis privately expressed concern that Trump might resort to “identity politics” when selecting his vice president.

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Haley in Hampton, New Hampshire on January 23, 2024.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Haley offered a limited endorsement of Trump in late May, ending speculation about who she would vote for in November.

“I will be voting for Trump,” Haley said at an event after listing off her disagreements with Biden. She added, “Trump would be smart to reach out to the millions of people who voted for me and continue to support me and not assume that they’re just going to be with him. And I genuinely hope he does that.”

Trump, who previously shot down an earlier report that he was considering Haley to be vice president, said Haley is “going to be on our team in some form.”

Toward the end of her primary challenge, Haley repeatedly said she’s not interested in being anyone’s vice president. She praised Trump when she served as his UN ambassador, but was highly critical of him during the GOP primary.

Biden has also shown greater interest in bringing Haley’s voters than Trump.