Could these politicians be Donald Trump’s strongest Veep contenders?

Following Nikki Haley’s official announcement to withdraw from the Republican primary contest and Donald Trump’s landslide victory after the Super Tuesday’s elections, the latter automatically assumes the role of the party’s nominee for the November polls.

The former president’s running mate has become a topic of interest with varied guesses by analysts. Trump has not yet announced who he will run with, but there are rumours that he is thinking about a woman or a person of colour.

When asked by NBC if he will consider a woman as running mate, Trump answered that although he hadn’t given it much thought, “I like the concept” but “I’m gonna pick the best person”.

Several interesting names have popped up but here are the major politicians political experts say are likely to partner Donald Trump in his second attempt as president.

Ben Carson

The retired neurosurgeon is one whose name has popped before to become the GOP’s representative’s running mate. First after 2016 elections although Trump decides on Mike Pence for the Vice President spot and then 2024 after he endorsed the former president

Ben Carson, who served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration, declared his unflinching support for Donald Trump.

According to him, the United States of America is in “desperate need of strong leadership.”

“A President who fights for the American people, our freedoms, our safety, and our future. Donald J. Trump is that leader and I am proud to give him my full endorsement for President of the United States today. Join me in this fight to Make America Great Again!” Carson wrote on X formerly Twitter.

Elise Stefanik

When Trump declared his intention to run for president a third time, the New York Rep. was among the first members of Congress to support him.

The 39-year-old politician might be the youthful counterbalance to voters’ concerns about Trump’s age because she is the chair of the House Republican Conference, has influence inside the GOP, and is able to communicate the party’s agenda.

Stefanik is reported to have told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that she would be “honored to serve in any capacity in a Trump administration.”

“She’s a killer,” was Trump’s encouraging response when Stefanik was suggested as a potential running mate over a private dinner at Mar-a-Lago in December.

Tim Scott

The senator from South Carolina, who had previously considered running for president, gave up on his ambitions in November and backed Donald Trump.

Analysts have opined that Scott, the highest-ranking Black Republican in the GOP, may be able to assist Trump in courting Black voters, who have historically been a significant Democratic voting group. Also, Scott’s conservative beliefs and calm demeanor may help allay worries about Trump’s unpredictable decision-making.

Scott was hailed by Trump as a man of faith, bravery, and conviction who battled for school choice, opportunity zones, and historically black colleges—issues that no one else would ever take up.

Kristi Noem

One to keep an eye on as a potential running partner for Donald Trump is the governor of South Dakota. The passionate Trump supporter rose to notoriety in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when she defied the law to impose stringent nose mask laws in her state.

After Trump declared his interest, she gave up on her goal to become president in 2024. In an interview, she stated that she would accept the vice-presidential position “in a heartbeat” and has repeatedly backed him at rallies.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

At a campaign rally in November 2023 in Hialeah, Florida, the youngest Governor in the US formally endorsed Trump. Sanders said she was so proud to endorse Trump “my former boss, my friend, and everybody’s favorite president” at the Miami rally.

She was an official during Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2019. She has been noted as a rising star in the party who has the ability to connect with ladies from the suburbs.

The governor of Arkansas has, however, dismissed the idea of being a Veep.

Vivek Ramaswamy

An interesting aspect of entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, Vivek  Ramawamy, was how he repeatedly defended Trump even as an opponent.

Solidly behind Trump, the biotech billionaire is pushing for a far-right triumph in November.

Observers say his young age, residence in Ohio, and Indian ancestry could all be advantages for a winning ticket.

While endorsing Trump, the conservative said America needs “a commander in chief who will lead us to victory” after he ended his presidential campaign.

His assertions about Donald Trump have definitely caught the former president’s eye who replied that “he’s a fantastic guy, a very smart guy. He’s got some tremendous ideas. He’s going to be working with us for a long time”.