Republican are surprised by who is now the front runner.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) is emerging as a key contender for the Republican vice-presidential nomination alongside former President Donald Trump, according to a report by the New York Times.
The report highlights that three sources with insight into Trump’s deliberations have indicated that Cotton is among the top five candidates for the vice-presidential spot. Other contenders on the list include Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND), Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and J.D. Vance (R-OH).
This update follows Trump’s recent rally in the Bronx, New York, where he told a local TV station that he considers Rubio, Vance, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to be strong candidates for the vice-presidential role.
Trump has reportedly spoken highly of Cotton, praising him for his consistent and effective communication on cable news platforms. Additionally, Trump values Cotton’s military experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and notes that both he and Cotton are graduates of Ivy League schools.
In a recent appearance on Fox News’s Special Report, anchor Bret Baier asked Cotton about his prospects as a vice-presidential candidate. Baier referenced radio host Hugh Hewitt’s support for Cotton, highlighting Hewitt’s assertion that Cotton’s disciplined messaging and strategic approach make him a formidable candidate.
Cotton addressed the speculation, saying, “No, the president and the campaign have not contacted me. I believe only Donald Trump knows who is truly on his shortlist. Our discussions are focused on the strategies needed to win the upcoming election, re-elect President Trump, and secure a Republican Congress to tackle the challenges posed by Joe Biden’s presidency.”
While the report offers some insight into Trump’s selection process for a running mate, it also mentions that Trump’s preferences may change. Trump has indicated that his decision on a running mate will likely be announced closer to the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to begin on July 15 in Milwaukee.
Senator Cotton has been representing Arkansas in the Senate since 2015, having defeated Democratic incumbent Mark Pryor. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Cotton represented Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District starting in 2013.