Burgum, Rubio, Scott, and Vance Lead as Trump Awaits Sentencing and Prepares for Convention

Donald Trump's Search for a Running Mate Heats Up

As Donald Trump awaits sentencing on felony charges and prepares for the Republican National Convention next month, his search for a running mate is intensifying. Sources familiar with the process have revealed that vetting materials have recently been sent to potential vice presidential contenders.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Senators Marco Rubio (Florida), Tim Scott (South Carolina), and JD Vance (Ohio). Some sources suggest a three-way race between Burgum, Rubio, and Vance.

However, the exact list of individuals being vetted remains unclear. Burgum, who has been increasingly visible alongside Trump in recent weeks, has reportedly received a vetting request. Representatives for Burgum and other potential running mates declined or did not respond to requests for comment.

Sources close to the search emphasize that Trump's shortlist is fluid and may include more than half a dozen names at times. Additions, removals, and the emergence of unexpected candidates remain possibilities.

Other names mentioned as potential running mates include South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Representatives Elise Stefanik (New York) and Byron Donalds (Florida), and Ben Carson, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary under Trump.

Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes emphasizes that anyone claiming to know who or when Trump will choose his VP is lying, unless it's Trump himself.

The search has been kept under tight wraps by Trump and his advisors, particularly during the recent trial where Trump faced 34 felony counts related to a hush money payment. Trump has indicated that a decision on his running mate is unlikely until closer to the convention, which begins on July 15th in Milwaukee. In 2016, he announced then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate just days before the convention in Cleveland.

Last month, NBC News reported that the Trump campaign had not yet moved beyond initial assessments of potential running mates. However, with the conclusion of the trial and Trump's conviction on all charges, the campaign has begun sending out questionnaires to help narrow down the field.

The trial itself served as an unofficial audition for VP contenders. Both Burgum and Vance, along with lesser-known figures like Donalds, joined Trump at the courthouse and frequently defended him on television.

When asked about the possibility of running with a "convicted felon," Vance dismissed the notion, arguing that the trial was a political sham designed to tarnish Trump's reputation.

Burgum, who was with Trump at the courthouse on the day of the verdict, responded to questions about his potential vice presidency with flattery, stating that Trump is so strong he could win the election without a running mate.