(Washington, DC) The 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference, (CPAC) this Saturday, the spotlight shifted to the vice presidential landscape as attendees showcased a keen interest in potential running mates for former President Donald Trump, who is gearing up for the upcoming November presidential election.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as frontrunners, each securing an impressive 15 percent of the straw poll votes. This departure from previous years, where CPAC discussions primarily revolved around the presidential nomination, underscores the anticipation of Trump’s expected landslide victory in the presidential poll.
Noteworthy figures in the Republican party vying for the vice presidential spot spoke at CPAC, adding depth to the deliberations. These included Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), Governor Kristi Noem, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Kari Lake, an Arizona Senate candidate. Following closely in the straw poll results were former Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, now an independent, securing 9 percent, while Stefanik and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) garnered 8 percent each.
The CPAC straw poll’s pivot towards the vice presidential race mirrors the ongoing discussions within the Republican party. This shift coincides with Trump’s continued dominance in the primary contests, highlighted by his recent victory in South Carolina against former Governor Nikki Haley. As the political landscape evolves, CPAC serves as a crucial platform for Republicans to gauge and shape the future trajectory of the party.
