As Donald Trump’s “Veepstakes” heats up, several high-profile names have been bandied about as the supposed front runners, including Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and Elise Stefanik. But if anything is predictable about Donald Trump, it’s his unpredictability!
Strategists say the former president could end up going with an unexpected choice.
“The fundraising, the media savviness, the loyalty to the America First agenda, I think those are the most important things,” said one Republican strategist. “But you know Trump, he is unpredictable, and he will keep you guessing all the way until the convention.”
So, who are the Trump VP’s “dark horses?” Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin’s (R-N.Y.) name has come up this week, while some argue that Trump’s former rival, ex-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, could strike a unifying tone among Republicans and expand the party’s base.
According to a consensus of various pundits and political strategists, here are five candidates Trump could choose as his running mate that could surprise everyone.
Nikki Haley
Haley and Trump battled head-to-head through Super Tuesday earlier this year despite Trump being the favorite to win the nomination. While the race turned bitter and personal, Haley has been seen as a figure who could help grow Trump’s base inside and outside the GOP.
Lee Zeldin
While Zeldin ultimately lost his bid to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in 2022, he has continued to enjoy a high profile among Republicans due to his performance in the Democratic stronghold. Additionally, Zeldin is seen as strong at raising funds, which is always an asset for running mates.
Wesley Hunt
Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt (R) has emerged not only as a rising GOP star, but also as a vocal Trump supporter. Hunt joined Trump in deep-blue Philadelphia recently in an effort to appeal to Black men. Recent polls have suggested enthusiasm for Biden among the voting bloc could be dimming, presenting an opportunity to Hunt to reach out to the group on behalf of Trump.
Maria Elvira Salazar
Like Hunt, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) is also considered a rising star within the GOP. The Miami-area congresswoman was elected in 2020, flipping Florida’s 27th Congressional District, which was considered “likely Democratic” at the time by the Cook Political Report.
Prior to serving in Congress, Salazar was a well-known broadcast journalist with Univision. Political observers point out her identity as a Latina could play well for Trump as the GOP looks to continue to make inroads among Hispanic and Latino voters and improve their standing among women voters.
Greg Abbott
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has also been floated as a potential pick, given his high profile within the Republican Party. As the governor of a state with the largest border with Mexico, Abbott has been a leading Republican voice on the southern border. The governor has gone head-to-head with the Biden administration on the issue, making national headlines.
In March, Trump said Abbott was “absolutely” on his list of vice-presidential contenders.
Still, observers note that Abbott’s chances of being chosen by Trump as a vice presidential candidate appear to be relatively low compared to other potential contenders.
Editor’s Note: These are intriguing possibilities. Please not Nikki Haley. Salazar would pull in huge in Latino votes. Abbott is deserving. Don’t know Hunt. Zeldin? meh…