CNN's GOP Veep Shortlist

By Will Cadigan, CNN

Updated May 23, 2016

With Donald Trump now the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party, the next step of the presidential process has begun: trying to predict who the unpredictable candidate will select as their running mate.

Trump has laid down some parameters, although as any seasoned VP watcher will tell you, you can’t believe everything you hear this time of year. Trump says he’s looking for someone with political and government experience, someone who can help him “get things done” in Washington. Trump said he won’t announce his nominee until July, but here is a list of potential picks.

Top contenders

Mary Fallin

Governor of Oklahoma

Fallin is a woman who could add diversity to a Trump ticket and has experience running a state and serving in Congress. Has been publicly enthusiastic about Trump and VP talk.

What they've said

"I'm behind Donald Trump 100% ... I would be very honored if I were to receive a call saying I need you to help make America great again.”

– Statement to CNN 05/04What Trump has said

Mary Fallin is a “fabulous person.”

CNN

Chris Christie

Governor of New Jersey and former 2016 presidential candidate

Christie has been a very public supporter of Trump, endorsing him soon after dropping out of the presidential race. He brings executive and national security experience.

What they've said

"I will make this decision if and when there's a decision for us to make.”

CNNWhat Trump has said

“I like Chris a lot. I'm not going to say ruling in or out."

Fox News

Jeff Sessions

Senator from Alabama

First senator to endorse Trump and brings Washington, foreign policy and domestic policy experience.

What they've said

"I don't expect to be asked."

CNN

Joni Ernst

Senator from Iowa, first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate

Ernst has conservative credentials, Washington experience, foreign policy chops and fundraising connections. She has been critical of Trump’s comments on women but when asked about being chosen as VP, she left the door open.

What they've said

"No one has reached out, so it's a hypothetical right now.”

KETV

Bob Corker

Senator from Tennessee

Corker has been openly advising Trump on his foreign policy and brings Washington experience, establishment credentials and a willingness to work across the aisle to the ticket.

What they've said

“Sen. Corker has no reason to believe he is being considered for vice president," per a spokesman.

CNNWhat Trump has said

The two met in May in Trump Tower in a private meeting.

CNN

John Thune

Senator from South Dakota

Thune is well-liked in Washington and brings experience to the potential ticket. He was rumored to have been vetted in 2008 and 2012 and his charisma and (relative) youth compliment Trump's age.

What they've said

"That's not something Sen. Thune is even considering," a spokesman said.

Rapid City Journal

Jan Brewer

Former governor of Arizona

As a staunch supporter of Trump, the former governor would add diversity to the ticket while appealing to the Trump base. She lacks Washington experience, however, and is very polarizing from her tenure as governor.

What they've said

"I’m honored to be able to support him and I would be honored to serve him in any capacity.”

AZ CentralWhat Trump has said

"She's been fantastic"

Fox News

Rob Portman

Senator from Ohio, former representative

A mainstay on VP shortlists, Portman brings a mild-mannered nature and unimpeachable Washington experience to the ticket, as well as Ohio – a state Trump lost to John Kasich.

What they've said

I'm “not considering” the VP slot and “I'm focused on Ohio."

– Statement to CNN 05/16What Trump has said

Portman is one of the campaign's early favorites for vice president, a senior Trump campaign official said May 4

CNN

Newt Gingrich

Former House speaker and 2012 presidential candidate

Gingrich taken to the airwaves, Twittersphere, and K Street to advocate for Trump and brings significant Washington experience to the ticket.

What they've said

“I’d be hard-pressed not to say, 'yes' ... We certainly could be lured into a new path.”

Fox NewsWhat Trump has said

Trump called Gingrich “such a great guy, such a great supporter” and said he was “absolutely” on the shortlist.

Fox News

Rick Perry

Former governor of Texas, presidential candidate in 2012 and 2016

Perry was an instense early critic, but would bring big state experience and establishment credentials and has experienced the rigors of a presidential run. Formally endorsed Trump in May.

What they've said

"I'm not going to go back to Texas and say, 'Aw shucks sir, I'm gonna go fishing.' I'm gonna go serve my country."

CNNWhat Trump has said

“I appreciate it from Rick, because I really like Rick. I've always liked Rick.”

Fox News

Keep an eye on

Marco Rubio

Senator from Florida, former 2016 candidate

Rubio is young, an experienced campaigner, Hispanic and from the crucial state of Florida. He offers foreign policy and (some) Washington experience.

What they've said

"I have never sought, will not seek and do not want to be considered for Vice President."

CNNWhat Trump has said

"Marco Rubio and most others mentioned are NOT under consideration.”

CNN

Rick Scott

Governor of Florida

Scott endorsed Trump, they both have business backgrounds, and he is from the key swing state of Florida.

What they've said

"I'm going to pass."

CNN

Susana Martinez

Governor of New Mexico

Hispanic and a woman, Martinez could add diversity on two fronts where Trump needs help. She also offers executive experience.

What they've said

"Not interested in serving as vice president."

– Statement to CNN 05/04What Trump has said

Martinez is one of the campaign's early favorites, a senior Trump campaign official said May 4

CNN

Photo illustrations: Will Mullery / CNN / Getty Images

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2016/politics/vp-possibilities/