Speculation swirls about likely contenders for spot as Trump's running mate

With former President Donald Trump's current primary race momentum showing no signs of abating, it is no surprise that the attentions of many are turning to the list of individuals he may be considering as potential running mates for the general election, as the Washington Times reports.

Though there is certainly no shortage of notable names who could conceivably get the nod from Trump, less clear is whether there is a clear favorite likely to garner support from the lion's share of the Republican electorate.

List of potential contenders grows

According to the Times, one name that has consistently received attention in the Trump veepstakes discussion is that of Kari Lake, a former Arizona new anchor who ultimately ran for governor of the state.

Currently running for the U.S. Senate, Lake has remained committed to MAGA ideals and has never wavered in her support for the former president, making her a logical subject of speculation as the weeks progress.

Also attracting interest as a potential Trump running made is South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has been a longtime loyalist of the former president and someone who has pledged to do whatever it takes to facilitate his return to the White House.

Perhaps one of the most potentially controversial potential Trump picks in terms of mainstream media reaction would be that of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican firebrand who is no stranger to headlines and controversy.

Another name in the mix, according to the Times is that of Byron Donalds, a well-respected African American congressman from Florida who endorsed Trump instead of the governor from his home state, Ron DeSantis.

Donalds, for his part, has already indicated his willingness to serve as Trump's No. 2 if asked, saying, “I mean, who wouldn't?”

Current rivals' willingness unclear

One person who has declared that he would not accept such an invitation is DeSantis, who has repeatedly stated that he has no interest running on a Trump ticket, though it is unclear whether that resolve would hold should the opportunity actually present itself.

Fellow GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has not indicated interest in serving as Trump's running mate, but he has taken every opportunity to defend the former president from the onslaught of attacks and lawfare he has faced since his campaign began.

Trump, for his part, has publicly referred to Ramaswamy as a “good man” who “is not done yet,” suggesting to many that he would be a top candidate for a VP nod.

Given her own growing momentum in the GOP primary race, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley might normally be an obvious contender for the role, but the very prospect has sparked notable backslash even from Donald Trump Jr, who recently said he would “go to great lengths to make sure that doesn't happen,” a development that leaves the ultimate outcome ripe for continued speculation and guesswork.