Trump Taps Vance For VP, Leaves Abbott, Paxton, Patrick, And Cruz In The Cold

Former President Donald Trump announced that Sen. JD Vance would be his running mate, immediately destroying the vice-presidential dreams of Texas officials such as Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Ted Cruz.

“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website.

This announcement shocked many and immediately dashed the hopes of many Republicans to become Trump’s vice president, including some Texas officials.

It appeared that the most likely choice for a Texas vice president was Abbott.

In February, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that Abbott was someone that he would consider for the position. When asked about whether Abbott was on the short list, Trump replied: “Absolutely, he is.”

Abbott also appeared in an Axios’ list of possible VP picks for Trump.

While Abbott and Trump have had their differences, they usually support each other at critical moments and have endorsed each other, but Trump has more loyal allies in the state.

Patrick, without a doubt, is one of Trump’s staunchest supporters in the state, even appearing in his New York hush money trial to support him. He has also pushed for Trump’s agenda in the state but maybe his name recognition wasn’t high enough to pick him for VP.

Paxton, on the other hand, has gained national attention for his conservative fights and also for his unconditional support of Trump. While he was not chosen as his VP pick, he is still under consideration to be his attorney general. 

Trump told a KDFW-TV reporter that he would consider Paxton for U.S. attorney general if he is elected to a second term.

“I would, actually,” Trump said. “He’s very, very talented. I mean, we have a lot of people that want that one and will be very good at it. But he’s a very talented guy.” 

Finally, while Cruz had little to no chance of being Trump’s pick, he certainly had hopes.

He and Trump have been enemies in the past. The former president even said that nobody liked Cruz and that he was a “nasty guy.” Now they have patched up their differences and sometimes Cruz endorses Trump on his podcast.