The race to determine who will be Donald Trump’s running mate this November is continuing to heat up, with the former president telling Fox News last week he has “sort of a pretty good idea” who he’ll select. The identity of that person remains a mystery, but a number of prospective contenders were recently asked to provide documents to Trump’s team as part of the vetting process, including firebrand Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
Many insiders believe that J.D. Vance could be the key to flipping working-class Democrat voters in a number of consequential battleground states. Vance has become a fixture on the road for Donald Trump and is extremely popular with the Trump base. He has made frequent appearances with Trump on the campaign trail and beyond.
One top GOP strategist told Fox News Digital that Vance would be a lot of help across the entire Rust Belt and could help pick up working-class Democrat votes in places even outside his own state of Ohio. States like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin are crucial battlegrounds that could determine the outcome of the presidential race this year.
Vance’s blue-collar upbringing, detailed in his bestselling 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” resonates with many voters across the Rust Belt states. His authenticity and ability to connect with blue-collar voters have drawn comparisons to Trump’s appeal during his first presidential run. Vance’s background as a combat veteran and his ties to the populist, noninterventionist, union-friendly wing of the new Republican Party make him a compelling choice for Trump’s running mate.
However, there are some potential downsides to Vance’s selection. He would be the youngest vice president in 70 years and has only held elected office for 18 months as of June. Additionally, his anti-big business inclinations may cause concern among potential donors in the business community that Trump is trying to court.
Other potential running mates for Trump include Elise Stefanik, Sarah Sanders, Glenn Youngkin, Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, and Tim Scott. Trump has hinted that he will likely announce his pick at the Republican National Convention in July.
As the race for the 2024 presidential election heats up, all eyes are on who will join Trump on the Republican ticket. Stay updated on the latest campaign trail developments, exclusive interviews, and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.