6 names on Donald Trump's VP shortlist

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, February 24, 2024

Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was once Trump's chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination. Now, the former president is considering adding him to his ticket even as the former presidential candidate insists he has no desire to serve as vice president.

DeSantis, 45, served as a congressman representing Florida's 6th Congressional District from 2013-2019. He retired to run for governor of Florida in 2018. After winning the Republican primary, he narrowly defeated Democrat Andrew Gillum in the general election. Four years later, he won reelection by 19 points in a state that Trump carried by just 3 points two years earlier.

Following his strong showing in a year where many Republican candidates in competitive states struggled, DeSantis sought the Republican nomination. At one point before officially entering the race, the polling average from RealClearPolitics showed that he came within striking distance of Trump nationally. He dropped out after the Iowa caucuses.

DeSantis has made opposition to the "woke agenda" a centerpiece of his governorship. In 2022, he signed into law the Parental Rights in Education bill that prohibits school officials from discussing subjects related to sexual orientation and gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade. He also signed a bill banning critical race theory teaching in Florida schools.

Specific ideas banned as part of the second bill include the notion that "one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color, national origin, or sex" and that "a person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously." DeSantis supported 30 school board candidates seeking office in Florida in 2022, and 24 of them won.

DeSantis, a Roman Catholic, has also prioritized raising his three children in a "Christ-centered household." Unlike the other candidates mentioned by Ingraham, DeSantis definitively ruled out serving as Trump's running mate. Audio from a phone call obtained by The New York Post this week reveals the governor saying, "I am not doing that," referring to the fact that "people were mentioning me" as a potential vice presidential pick.