North Dakota’s two-term governor, who has amassed significant wealth working in real estate development, venture capital and tech.
What he brings: Burgum is a staid, uncontroversial governor with lesser national name recognition who would be unlikely to compete for the spotlight or overshadow Trump with 2028 talk. Burgum also brings money and rich friends to the table.
History with Trump: Burgum ran against Trump for the 2024 nomination but gained little traction, then quickly endorsed the former president and has become one of Trump’s most visible defenders. The two have hit it off personally.
Possible drawback: Does the Republican Party want two older white guys atop the ticket?
A first-term U.S. senator from Ohio and former venture capitalist who swept to national prominence with his bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
What he brings: Vance, 39, would inject some millennial energy into the race.
History with Trump: Despite his early criticism of Trump, Vance has become personally close with the former president and his son Donald Trump Jr. Vance has established himself as one of the fiercest defenders of Trump’s agenda, especially on foreign policy, trade and immigration.
Possible drawback: Will Trump be able to get over Vance’s record of past insults, which he mentions still?
