Trump Says He’s Decided On A Running Mate, Expects This Person To Attend Debate

Former President Donald Trump said on Saturday he has privately chosen someone to be his running mate in the 2024 election.

Though he did not divulge the identity of that person, Trump gave insight into his decision-making process while at a campaign stop in Philadelphia.

When asked by NBC News. if he decided on his vice president, Trump responded, “In my mind, yeah.”

When asked by @NBCNews during a Philadelphia campaign stop whether he has decided on his vice presidential pick, Donald Trump responded, "in my mind, yeah." https://t.co/cOU8urFTe8 pic.twitter.com/SKmRTxApGu

— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) June 23, 2024

Trump said “nobody knows” who he will select and noted that “most likely” this person will be at his debate next week.

“They’ll be there,” he added. “I think we have a lot of people coming.”

CNN is poised to host the debate between Trump and President Joe Biden on Thursday in Atlanta.

Trump’s campaign has reportedly sent vetting materials to several potential running mates.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) have emerged as finalists, NBC News reported last week.

The pair have become surrogates for Trump on the campaign trail and hit the airwaves in talking up his campaign.

Burgum told CNN on Sunday that Trump has the “luxury” of not having to pick a running mate to attract more voters, but rather someone who can help him govern.

Ashley Etienne, a former aide to Vice President Kamala Harris, said during a recent CNN panel that Vance would pose the “greatest threat” to her old boss in a debate.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a third prospect, however there are some doubts about enthusiasm.

And there are potential complications with the 12th Amendment and its clause against a presidential ticket having two people from the same state.

Trump, a longtime businessman from New York, changed his residency to Florida in 2019.

Other people who are said to be in the veepstakes mix includes former Cabinet member Ben Carson and House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) have also been floated as contenders.

Trump is expected to announce his running mate around the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month.

A senior adviser for Trump’s campaign told NBC News a top VP criterion “is a strong leader who will make a great President for eight years after his next four year term concludes.”