U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who was on the shortlist to be Donald Trump's running mate in the upcoming November presidential election but ultimately was not chosen, has revealed the reasons behind the decision.
Rubio, currently attending the Republican National Convention concluding tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stated that the primary reason for not being selected was that both he and Trump reside in the same state. “There were indications it would be a challenge,” Rubio explained, “and with so many other good options available, why take that risk?” reported Politico, which is closely following the important Republican event.
According to the 12th Amendment of the Constitution, candidates for president and vice president must come from different states; otherwise, they will lose the electors from their shared state of residence.
The Republican senator noted that he and Trump had frequent discussions about the residency issue, “especially over the last 10 days.” It was the former president himself, nominated by the Party last Monday to run for the White House, who called Rubio to inform him that he would not be on the ticket.
Now, many, according to Politico, see Rubio as a potential candidate for Secretary of State in a future Trump administration.
Ultimately, the former president chose Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a 39-year-old who is also a businessman and author, as his running mate. “After extensive deliberations and reflections, considering the enormous talent of many others, I have decided that the most suitable person to assume the role of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance from the great state of Ohio,” Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social.
He highlighted Vance's educational background, noting that “he graduated from Ohio State University and earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he was an editor of The Yale Law Journal and president of the Yale Law Veterans Association.”
During the campaign, Trump stated, he will focus strongly on the people he has fought so brilliantly for—the American workers and farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and beyond.
Rubio praised Vance’s selection as “a very good choice” for vice president.
Key Insights on Marco Rubio and Trump's Vice Presidential Decision
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Marco Rubio's exclusion from Trump's vice presidential pick and the subsequent choice of J.D. Vance.
Why wasn't Marco Rubio chosen as Trump's running mate?
Marco Rubio was not chosen because both he and Donald Trump reside in the same state, which would have caused issues with the 12th Amendment of the Constitution.
Who did Trump choose as his vice presidential candidate instead?
Trump chose Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a 39-year-old businessman and author, as his running mate.
What are J.D. Vance's qualifications for the vice presidential role?
J.D. Vance graduated from Ohio State University and earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he was an editor of The Yale Law Journal and president of the Yale Law Veterans Association.