Here’s who…
As questions arise about whether former President Donald Trump is fit to hold power again, who would take his place among the GOP’s top brass has also emerged.
Despite Trump failing to confirm his plans, he is adamant that should he choose to enter the race, the nomination will be his for the taking, but as his popularity wanes, other names have also emerged.
Ron DeSantis
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has become the GOP’s frontrunning candidate, despite indicating he has no plans to mount a Presidential campaign.
Currently, DeSantis — who remains the frontrunner to Trump in polling — has said his first priority is to maintain the governor’s mansion in the upcoming midterms, but when questioned about his plans to run in 2024, the Florida Governor hasn’t expressly ruled out the possibility.
Mike Pence
While it’s typical for former Vice presidents to become the next Presidential candidate, former Vice President Mike Pence faces an uphill battle.
Pence has lost tremendous support from avid Trumpists who’ve called out the former VP for his involvement — or lack thereof — in overturning the 2020 Presidential elections.
But, in recent months, Pence has started to attend high-profile speeches, throwing his support behind primary candidates lending his endorsement to 86 candidates, and reinforcing his position within the GOP.
Larry Hogan
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is one of the few names on the list of potential 2024 Presidential nominees that has been a vocal critic of the former President.
Hogan, who governs a blue state, is considered a more traditional conservative, similar to Ronald Reagan.
Despite not confirming a GOP presidential nomination in 2024, signs — like warning that a Trump candidacy could cost Republicans the White House — point to Hogan’s desire to mount a bid.
The Maryland Republican has gone as far as hinting that he would be interested in a Presidential bid, telling CNN in February of this year that he is “certainly going to take a look” at the Presidential bid after leaving office in 2023.
Ted Cruz
The once Presidential candidate has consistently appeared on lists of potential Trump successors, given Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was Trump’s runner-up in 2016.
Following the bitter contest between the two Republicans, Cruz later emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal supporters but has put some distinction between himself and the former President by endorsing different candidates.
