Editor's note: This is the third in a series of profiles of potential presidential candidate Donald Trump's running mates on the 2024 GOP ticket.
A possible name on former President Trump's running mate list is being described by political experts as a “powerhouse” who could give a big boost to his chances of retaking the White House.
The horse race between those hoping to be named Trump's running mate continued this week with names believed to be on the short list circulating in various media outlets and at public events to praise the former president, including the president of the House Republican Conference Elise Stefanik of New York, who some say has some “appeal” for the role.
“Stefanik's position as the fourth-ranking member of House leadership provides valuable insight into navigating the Capitol, which Trump is not known for loving. Historically, the Capitol has served as fertile ground for vice presidential candidates,” Republican strategist Erine Perrine told Fox. Digital news.
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From left to right: House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and South Carolina Governor Tim Scott. All have been proposed as possible running mates for former President Donald Trump's vice presidency. (Getty Images)
Perrine praised Stefanik as “a prolific fundraiser,” which she said could strengthen the campaign's financial situation heading into the final stretch of the race, and argued that her loyalty to the former president would help ensure cohesion among the Republicans.
“Stefanik's presence also mitigates Democratic attacks on women's issues,” she said, alluding to Democrats' attempts to make abortion a major factor in the race. “His selection of her would bring a young, dynamic image to the Republican Party to help bolster the ticket.”
“Stefanik has earned a reputation as a powerhouse in committee hearings, highlighted most recently by his questioning of university presidents. These strengths enhance his credibility and effectiveness as an activist,” he added.
Republican strategist David Polyansky agreed, noting that Stefanik, during her tenure as House leader, has pushed for a number of critical fights, and did so despite the turmoil surrounding the role of House speaker.
“He's done a very effective job of raising his profile, which is difficult to do, not only from the point of view of the House, but even from the point of view of the leadership of the House,” he said. “I think she would be attractive to some of the larger blocs of donors who may be hesitant about how much money they will invest.”
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“Having a female vice presidential pick is something that I think would be attractive to the party, attractive to donors, attractive from a narrative standpoint. Outside of her gender, she is a very strong conservative leader, so I think there is a real value for Trump,” he added.
A source close to the Trump campaign also said that Stefanik being a woman would be “really positive” and that it was “very important” to the former president that she had been a “strong supporter.”
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R.N.Y., speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to recognize law enforcement as part of Police Week on Wednesday May 15, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images))
“I think it would be a very interesting election. I think it would be very effective in the electoral campaign. I think it would be clearly positive for the campaign,” said the source.
Eric Koch, a Democratic strategist, gave a more critical view of Stefanik's strengths for the Republican nomination.
“The positive thing that Elise Stefanik brings to the Trump candidacy is obvious: She is willing to say and do anything to defend Donald Trump, no matter how absurd, ridiculous or embarrassing it may be,” he said.
“There is literally nothing that is too low for her, and this is a quality that Donald Trump not only needs, but demands, from his vice president. Stefanik will happily stoop in any way to support Trump.”
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Koch said two downsides to Stefanik's selection, in addition to her party's usual criticism that she is “ultra MAGA,” are that she had “almost no accomplishments” and that she “falls apart in debates and interviews” when pressed. About topics.
One such instance occurred last week on Fox News when host Shannon Bream pressed Stefanik about a New York Times report that questioned her loyalty to Trump over the years.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R.N.Y., walks through the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“If Trump were trying to win voters in the middle, he could hardly pick anyone worse than Stefanik, who brings water to the most extreme elements of House Republicans,” Koch said.
Perrine, like Koch, said liberal and other left-wing media would likely label her a “MAGA extremist,” but also noted the “limited” impact her selection could have on the electoral map, considering she is from New York. York. .
“Losing his leadership role in the House could disrupt the cohesion of the Republican Party,” Perrine added.
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Polyansky argued that elevating someone directly from the House to the first person in the presidential line of succession was “a bit of a stretch.” He also argued that his name recognition could be a problem.
“She's not very well known, even in the base of the Republican Party, so I don't know if there would be a huge surprise factor, which could be important for Trump. I'm not sure she would necessarily give him that.”
The source close to the Trump campaign agreed that it would be “difficult” for Stefanik's name recognition alone to provide much of a boost, but said that could add up over time.
Stefanik's office declined to comment for this story, but a source close to her told Fox that flipping and holding onto a formerly Democratic-held district in New York was part of her appeal compared to the other potential names in Trump's short list.
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The source noted that Stefanik had more experience on Capitol Hill than Vice President Kamala Harris, and could have an immediate impact on the implementation of Trump's legislative agenda if she were selected.
They also argued that, as a young mother, she has been a strong supporter of IVF and the 15-week abortion ban, rather than the 6-week ban pushed by other Republicans, in direct contradiction to the Democrats' focus on the abortion.
From left to right: Ohio Senator JD Vance, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. (Getty Images)
Other big names have also been proposed to join Trump on the Republican ticket, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and South Dakota Governor Kristi. Noem, Ohio Senator JD Vance and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
Trump, who spent most of his week sitting on trial in a New York City court While President Biden and Harris are free to hit the campaign trail, he is still weighing his running mate's options. Earlier this month he suggested that he might even wait until July's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to name his nominee.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 election campaign, exclusive interviews and more in our Fox News Digital Election Center.
