Kristi Noem, the North Dakota governor, may have ruined her chances of becoming Donald Trump’s running mate after detailing the story of how she euthanized her dog in her upcoming memoir. This revelation did not sit well with Trump and other Republicans, who now seem to be looking at other potential candidates for the position. J.D. Vance, a senator from Ohio, has emerged as a top contender for the VP spot, despite his previous criticism of Trump. While Vance and Trump have since reconciled, it remains to be seen if he will be chosen as the running mate.
Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida, is also being considered for the VP role. However, the 12th Amendment poses a challenge as both Rubio and Trump are residents of Florida, which would require Rubio to move and vacate his Senate seat if chosen as the VP candidate. Tim Scott, a senator from South Carolina, is also in the running and could potentially make history as the first Black Republican VP. Scott, who initially ran against Trump in the 2024 election cycle, has since become a surrogate for the former president and played a significant role in campaigning for him.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia has openly expressed her desire to be part of a second Trump administration, raising speculation about her potential as a VP candidate. However, differences between Greene and Trump on various issues have clouded her chances. Kari Lake, an election-denying conspiracy theorist from Arizona, has reportedly been trying to win Trump’s favor at his Mar-a-Lago club, but may have found herself in the former president’s “doghouse.” Meanwhile, Elise Stefanik, a representative from New York, has defended Trump vigorously in the House of Representatives and expressed her willingness to serve in his administration.
Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has also caught Trump’s attention as a potential VP candidate due to his favorable stance towards Trump during the Republican primaries. Mitt Romney, a senator from Utah, is not on Trump’s VP list due to their strained relationship. Romney’s past controversy involving his dog in a crate strapped to the family car has resurfaced and is being compared to Noem’s actions with her dog. Despite their differences, Romney maintains that he cared for his dog and did not resort to such extreme measures.
