U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the upstart black Republican from Florida, was among those who launched a run for House speaker earlier this month, and as a strong supporter of Donald Trump his name is also mentioned a lot as a potential running mate for the former president should Trump prevail in the GOP primary
Asked about the latter during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Donalds hinted that he is open to the idea but that the decision would be “up to the president.”
“Congressman, I want to switch gears real quick,” host Maria Bartiromo said. “Ask you about 2024, because I know some people would have liked to see you get the gavel and become speaker, but others say, well, maybe you have a different road ahead.”
Cutting to the chase, Bartiromo asked point blank, “Would you accept the vice president position if Donald Trump asked you to be his partner?”
“With respect to being potentially on the ticket, that’s really up to the president,” Donalds said. “I have no control over that.” pic.twitter.com/lkKzVvIxIY
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) October 30, 2023
“Well, look, Maria, first of all, I’ll tell you first Speaker Mike Johnson, I am happy for him,” the GOP lawmaker replied. “He’s going to do a tremendous job leading the House of Representatives. You have a man of impeccable character, impeccable integrity, and the members have rallied around him. We’re going to get back to work and do our jobs.”
“With respect to being potentially on the ticket, that’s really up to the president. I have no control over that,” Donalds continued. “The only thing I’ll say is I just want to do whatever I can to get our country on track. That’s what I’ve always been committed to. So no matter what the role is, it’s about getting our country back on track.”
Donalds also said African-American support for Trump is “growing” as a result of a “struggling” economy.
“More and more black Americans are saying we’ve got to have Trump back,” he told Bartiromo.
Byron Donalds to Maria Bartiromo: “More and more Black Americans are saying we gotta have Trump back.” pic.twitter.com/2UCBjeECDd
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 29, 2023
Trump is well out in front of the field in the GOP primary and there has been plenty of speculation that he may choose a female running mate if he is the GOP nominee. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) is at the top of that list — Trump has called Noem “fantastic” and has said she is “a great governor,” but as was seen with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis such complimentary rhetoric can change in an instant should she say or do anything to displease the former president.
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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