The race to choose former President Donald Trump’s vice president is heating up.
At Trump’s town hall in Phoenix on Thursday, people had many different ideas about who should be his running mate.
Some suggested South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, or simply “Not Nikki Haley.”
Trump, seen here at the event in Phoenix on June 6, received support for Kristi Noem from people like Brian Szayer of Peoria, who said she has been a strong supporter of Republicans and Trump.
Sharon Szayer agreed, saying Noem is an incredible governor who could do great things for the country.
Others at the event said they trust Trump to make the right choice on his own. Tom Berry from West Valley said he didn’t have a preference and trusted Trump’s judgment.
There were also some suggestions for non-Republican politicians, like former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Grant G. from Chandler thought Kennedy would attract independents and Democrats.
Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, have had a strained relationship since their disagreement about certifying the 2020 election and the events of January 6, 2021.
Pence ran for the Republican nomination this year but dropped out in October before any primary elections.
The Republican National Convention starts on July 15, where Trump will likely be nominated along with his chosen vice president. Sometimes, vice-presidential picks are made to help win certain areas or voter groups.
The New York Post reported that vetting paperwork has been sent to several people, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Elise Stefanik, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and Senators Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance.
Vance, speaking at the town hall, said he’s glad he doesn’t have to make the decision and trusts Trump to pick the best person. He thinks the most important quality for a vice president is someone who can help govern.
The event, hosted by Turning Point Action and the Turning Point Political Action Committee, was Trump’s first since his conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush-money trial and his first visit to Arizona since the midterm elections.