While former President Donald Trump has not formally announced whether he will run again in 2024, he recently ruled out his former Vice President Mike Pence as a running mate.

“Mike and I had a great relationship except for the very important factor that took place at the end,” Trump told the Washington Examiner in an interview on Tuesday.

“I don’t think the people would accept” Pence as a running mate, Trump said.

Based on recent polling, Trump is a favorite to win the Republican primary in 2024.

Pence has been vocal in opposition to Trump’s opinions and statements on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also sided against Trump after the Jan. 6 insurrection.

It's unclear if Pence plans to run for president in 2024.

That leaves several potential Republicans who could join a Trump ticket in 2024. He would look favorably upon those who have publicly said they would endorse a Trump run.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is one name that has been mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump. While rumored as a possible candidate, he has not made any public declarations about a potential presidential run of his own. Also, multiple controversial bills that he has passed into Florida law have made him a consistent presence on the news and a publicly known figure in the U.S.

Trump’s former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley has also been a name mentioned as a running mate. She has publicly stated she would not run if Trump ran. While the two have had their disagreements, Haley is still considered a Trump ally. Haley’s potential influence as an Indian-American woman may help Trump’s public image.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has also been mentioned as a potential Trump running mate for 2024. He has publicly stated he would not run against Trump in 2024, and like Haley, he could pull voters into the Republican Party and help repair Trump’s image. Scott would be the first Black candidate on a Republican ticket.

Trump could also choose a running mate who has not served in public office. During his term from 2017 to 2021, Trump's cabinet was filled with many members who had limited or no experience at their position.

A clear picture of the Republican candidates is expected after the 2022 midterm elections in November.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S. February 26, 2022.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S. February 26, 2022. Reuters / MARCO BELLO
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