(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump has potentially narrowed his potential running mates to eight names.
The Trump campaign has requested personal information from several high-ranking GOP members, apparently giving insight into who the former president is most seriously considering to be his running mate, according to multiple media sources.
Requests were sent to the following GOP leaders:
Ohio Sen. J.D. VanceNorth Dakota Gov. Doug BurgumSouth Carolina Sen. Tim ScottFlorida Rep. Byron DonaldsNew York Rep. Elise StefanikFlorida Sen. Marco RubioArkansas Sen. Tom CottonFormer Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
Despite his recent conviction on 34 counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, Trump is still in the race and expected to hold strong against President Joe Biden in the polls. Trump is expected to appeal his conviction, and his other cases are expected to extend beyond the November election. Trump has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene.
Meanwhile, Scott has been jockeying for the VP slot.
Scott will reportedly lead a $14 million ad buy campaign targeting minority voters in seven key swing states.
The Trump campaign has also been making efforts to reach minority communities as well, especially Black men, suggesting that Scott is looking to demonstrate his utility.
Trump told Greg Kelly on Newsmax on Tuesday that he has been considering “some unbelievable people” and proceeded to list some of his top surrogates, mentioning Scott, Burgum, Rubio, Vance, and Carson.
“Anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless the person is named Donald J. Trump,” senior Trump adviser Brian Hughes told Politco.
