The Republican National Committee kicks off in a couple of hours, just two days after former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s standard-bearer, survived an assassination attempt.
And the Saturday shooting at Trump’s rally in western Pennsylvania – where one spectator was killed and two more critically injured, and the former president visibly bloodied after a bullet grazed his ear – has altered the tone and raised the stakes of the convention.
At the four-day confab which is being held in swing state Wisconsin’s largest city, Trump will formally become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, and the official roll call will take place during the opening session Monday.
But as the convention gets underway, all eyes are on the former president as Trump’s expected to announce his choice for running mate, which would bring to a conclusion weeks of vetting and intense media speculation.
Fox News’ Bret Baier reports that senior GOP officials indicate a running mate announcement could occur soon after the convention is gaveled into order at 1pm ET. “It will be part of the hooplah today kicking things off”.
Considered the front-runners for the Republican vice presidential nomination are Sens. JD Vance of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota.
Others thought to be in contention are Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida.
