Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, is gaining traction as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, according to six sources familiar with Trump's search for a vice presidential candidate.
Rubio finds himself among a crowded field of contenders, resembling the roster of contestants on Trump's former reality TV show, "The Apprentice."
Sen. Marco Rubio is moving up the list of former President Trump's potential vice presidential picks, according to six people familiar with the presumptive Republican nominee's search for a 2024 running mate. https://t.co/ekDdGUwmVi
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 21, 2024
Trump, in a recent interview with Newsmax, estimated the number of potential candidates at 15, including Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.
While discussions are still in the early stages, there is a growing inclination toward announcing the vice presidential pick in June, approximately a month before the party convention, although concrete plans have yet to be finalized.
The apparent consideration of Rubio, 52, a third-term senator, reflects Trump's strategic priorities and introduces potential complexities. Rubio's youthfulness, charisma, and extensive federal experience make him an appealing choice, particularly as Trump aims to appeal to Latino voters.
Rubio would also be the first non-white person to join a Republican presidential ticket.
Despite his appeal, Rubio's candidacy presents a constitutional challenge, as both he and Trump hail from Florida. The Constitution prohibits electors from voting for a presidential and vice presidential candidate from their own states.
Historical precedent, such as Dick Cheney's relocation to Wyoming in 2000, suggests potential avenues to address this issue.
While Rubio has not definitively ruled out the vice presidential slot, he has acknowledged the constitutional constraint. Trump, for his part, has emphasized the importance of selecting a capable individual who could effectively assume the presidency if necessary.
As the vetting process continues, potential candidates will undergo scrutiny on the campaign trail, including evaluations of their fundraising capabilities. Rubio's proven ability to raise substantial funds, evidenced by his 2016 presidential campaign, bolsters his appeal.
Speculation abounds in Florida political circles regarding Rubio's potential resignation from the Senate to pursue the vice presidency, creating opportunities for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a successor.
Despite their contentious past, characterized by sharp exchanges during the 2016 GOP nomination race, Trump and Rubio have since cultivated a more amicable relationship.
Rubio's endorsement of Trump's agenda and his recent support in the presidential primaries underscore the evolving dynamics between the two figures.
