As former President Donald Trump approaches a critical period in his 2024 campaign, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-O.H., remains a top contender for the vice presidential slot — but with time running out, Vance still hasn’t gotten the offer.
When asked directly if he’ll be named Trump’s running mate, Vance stated he still hasn’t heard back from the Trump campaign.
“I have not gotten the call,” Vance told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday when asked if Trump had approached him about being his running mate.
“We’ll let the media know if I ever get that call,” Vance added. “But most importantly, we’re just trying to work to elect Donald Trump.”
Vance is reportedly on a short list of potential VP candidates that also includes North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
The Trump campaign has not officially stated who will be chosen, maintaining that the final decision rests solely with the former president.
The timing of Trump’s VP announcement remains uncertain. It was initially expected to be revealed before the Republican National Convention starting July 15 in Milwaukee, but the decision may have been delayed due to recent political developments — namely, President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance.
With Biden floundering, the Trump campaign seems happy to watch the Democratic Party chaos steal headlines.
Vance has distinguished himself among the contenders through his alignment with key policies supported by Trump’s base. He has also gained vocal support from Donald Trump Jr., potentially boosting his chances.
As the convention approaches, the Trump campaign faces the challenge of maximizing the impact of the VP announcement amid an unusually turbulent political landscape.
The ongoing discussions about Biden’s political future have complicated Trump’s strategy, and is likely to influence the timing of his VP selection announcement.
While Vance continues to be considered a strong contender, the lack of a formal offer underscores the fluid nature of the selection process. As Trump adviser Lindsey Graham noted on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” other names are still being suggested, indicating that the former president’s decision may not be finalized.