Former President Donald Trump is purportedly contemplating Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), his erstwhile adversary, as a potential running mate in his bid for reelection against President Joe Biden. Multiple sources, including reports from NBC News and CBS News, affirm Rubio’s escalating prominence within the expanding pool of vice-presidential candidates under consideration for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
However, Rubio is among a roster of Republican contenders that includes other Floridians, such as Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), both of whom Trump is considering for his ticket.
Additional contenders for the running mate position include Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD), and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Trump has consistently lauded Scott, particularly on the campaign trail, praising his advocacy and support. During a recent town hall event with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham, Trump commended Scott’s dedication, remarking, “He’s been so great. He’s been such a great advocate.”
Rubio and Trump previously engaged in a campaign rivalry during the 2016 GOP presidential primary, culminating in Trump’s triumph over the Florida senator on his path to securing both the GOP nomination and the presidency.
Many insiders believe Rubio’s potential inclusion on Trump’s ticket could bolster the campaign’s appeal to Hispanic voters. Federal law prohibits the presidential and vice-presidential candidates from residing in the same state. Consequently, this requirement mandates a relocation of residency for one of the candidates.
At 52, Rubio would offer a generational contrast to Trump, who is 77, addressing concerns from voters who question Trump’s age and stamina for another term. Additionally, Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, would make history as the first Latino on a Republican presidential ticket.
Rubio’s campaign referred inquiries regarding the vice-presidential rumors to a recent interview. He emphasized that serving as vice president would be an honor, but he has not discussed the matter with Trump or his campaign.
Trump’s former running mate, Vice President Mike Pence, recently announced his decision not to endorse Trump’s 2024 campaign, citing fundamental policy differences and disagreements over the events of January 6th.
While speculation swirls around Trump’s choice for running mate, he has remarked that the vice-presidential selection may not significantly impact voters’ decisions, asserting during a Fox News town hall that “the VP choice has absolutely no impact. It’s whoever the president is.”
