Popular governors, influential senators, former members of his administration, including his former vice president: Several GOP figures could challenge Donald Trump in the race for the White House.
The former president said late Tuesday that he would seek re-election in 2024. While he remains wildly popular with activists, his aura faded in the midterm elections after several of his cronies were defeated. Therefore, some are beginning to consider alternatives for the Republican primaries.
Here are the billionaire’s potential rivals, none of whom have officially entered the race yet:
ron desantis
At just 44 years old, the Florida governor is the rising star of the far right. In 2018 he was elected by a narrow margin as head of this southern US state after being supported by Donald Trump, whose ideas he shares but not the excesses. Since then, he has distanced himself and gained popularity by keeping Florida open during the pandemic while multiplying ultra-conservative jabs on education or immigration.
During the “half terms”, he was re-elected with a 20+ point lead. “For me, the fight has only just begun”, he then launched, fueling speculation.
Former university baseball player and naval officer, married and father of three children, this Catholic embodies authority and the traditional family, values dear to his side.
Noting that he would not wear gloves in the event of a duel, Donald Trump nicknamed him “Ron-la-Morale” (“Ron DeSanctimonius”). Polls still give the billionaire a comfortable lead, but the gap is narrowing between the two men, to around 50 and 30% of voting intentions in the event of a primary.
mike pence
After years of unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump, his former vice president changed his tune after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Mike Pence said the president’s words that day were “irresponsible” and “put him in jeopardy.” Donald Trump had insisted on refusing to certify Joe Biden’s victory.
The former governor of Indiana did not comply, which still generates strong enmity among the billionaire’s supporters and jeopardizes his chances in a primary (limits around 7% of voting intentions).
But this 63-year-old evangelical Christian, a fierce opponent of abortion, seems determined to undertake: he has just published a book entitled “Así me ayuda Dios” (“May God come to my aid”, without translating) and multiplies the speeches
glenn youngkin
The 55-year-old businessman managed to wrest the governorship of Virginia from the Democrats in 2021 and since then has practiced classic right-wing politics (lower taxes, additional funding for the police) combined with controversial measures on transgender people or anti-racism in schools. programs
Without being a candidate, he was heavily involved in the midterm election campaign, and various GOP donors would, according to the media, be willing to support him if he sought the party’s nomination.
Other names that circulate
Former Governor of South Carolina and Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, nikki haley, 50, could be one of the few women to start primary school. Never having denied Donald Trump’s record, she has been openly critical of his post-election crusade over alleged fraud that has never been proven.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, 57, openly dreams of being the first black Republican president. After his re-election Tuesday – with a 26-point lead over his rival – he talked about his grandfather who had voted for Barack Obama. “I wish I had lived long enough to see another black president and this time it was a Republican!”
In a party that has veered to the right, where white men dominate, the chances of these potential candidates seem limited.
Names of the governors of Maryland larry hogan and New Hampshire chris sununuas well as that of the former governor of New Jersey cris christianThey are also circulating. These moderates, popular with independents, are outspoken critics of Donald Trump.
With more Trumpist profiles, the Republican senator from Texas ted cross51, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, 58, also appear to be preparing to compete.
Source: BFM TV
