Five Unexpected Candidates for Donald Trump’s Vice Presidential Pick

Former President Trump is keeping the political world on its toes as he inches closer to selecting his running mate for a potential 2024 presidential bid. While high-profile Republicans like Sens. Tim Scott and Marco Rubio are considered top contenders, the former president’s unpredictability has left room for some dark-horse candidates to emerge.

One potential surprise pick is former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has been seen as a unifying figure within the GOP and could help expand the party’s base. Despite a bitter primary battle with Trump earlier this year, Haley has continued to garner significant support in subsequent Republican primaries.

Another dark-horse candidate is former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, who impressed Republicans with his performance in the Democratic stronghold of New York. Zeldin’s ability to raise funds and push the envelope in blue states has caught the attention of strategists.

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt and Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar are also rising stars within the GOP who have shown strong support for Trump. Hunt’s outreach to Black men and Salazar’s appeal to Hispanic and Latino voters could be valuable assets for a Trump campaign.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, known for his tough stance on border security, has also been floated as a potential running mate for Trump. Despite his high profile within the Republican Party, Abbott’s chances of being chosen by Trump appear to be lower compared to other contenders.

As Trump continues to weigh his options, the political world eagerly awaits his decision on who will join him on the ticket for a potential 2024 presidential run. With the former president’s penchant for surprises, anything is possible in the coming months.