The search for Donald Trump’s running mate for the upcoming election is intensifying, with multiple potential candidates undergoing rigorous vetting. Political insiders with deep knowledge of presidential campaigns suggest there is one contender on Trump’s shortlist who might be causing significant concern among Democrats: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
Trump’s campaign has entered an advanced stage in selecting a running mate, requesting documents from several prospects, including Rubio, who has evolved into a staunch ally of Trump since their 2016 primary rivalry. “Rubio is a familiar face who has become one of the strongest voices in the Senate for the America First agenda, is excellent on TV, and can effectively criticize Biden for his failed policies,” a top GOP strategist told Fox News Digital.
“Trump is doing very well with Latino voters, and Rubio’s addition would only strengthen that support, which could spell trouble for Biden,” they added. “Rubio would be a solid, safe pick with a lot of upside.” Matt Wolking, former deputy communications director for Trump’s 2020 campaign, described Rubio as “an effective, disciplined communicator who rarely makes mistakes.”
Wolking highlighted Rubio’s ability to speak Spanish, which would enhance Trump’s campaign reach among Hispanic voters in key states such as Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Virginia, New York, and Florida. “Rubio appeals to suburban and independent voters, which are crucial for Trump’s success, and he is the only contender from a true battleground state,” Wolking said.
“Trump would balance out his ticket by picking Rubio for VP, something that cannot be said for some other options. This is why many Democrats fear the selection of Rubio the most,” he continued, referencing concerns highlighted in a May Vanity Fair article. Wolking also noted Rubio’s leadership on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which would be valuable for Trump to “reign in rogue agencies.”
However, a source close to Trump’s campaign pointed out potential downsides to Rubio’s selection. “I’m not sure he’s a 100% Trump guy. He hasn’t always been enthusiastic about Trump,” the source said, recalling Rubio’s past criticisms of Trump, including calling him “reckless and dangerous” during the 2016 primary and holding him partly responsible for the Jan. 6 Capitol protests.
Despite these concerns, Wolking argued that the downsides to Rubio’s selection were not significant. He did note, however, that Rubio tends “to be more hawkish than Trump on foreign policy.” There are also constitutional concerns under the 12th Amendment, which prohibits electors from voting for a president and vice president from the same state, but Wolking suggested this would be a minor issue.
A source familiar with Rubio pointed to his strong performances in states like Virginia and Minnesota during the 2016 primary, suggesting his selection could boost Trump in key states. They also highlighted Rubio’s legislative track record, debate performances, and ability to engage and excite a crowd as qualities that would benefit the Republican ticket.
Other names floated as potential running mates for Trump include House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Trump has hinted that he will likely announce his pick at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this July.
