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.
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 saidMary Fallin is a “fabulous person.”
– CNNChristie 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 NewsFirst senator to endorse Trump and brings Washington, foreign policy and domestic policy experience.
What they've said"I don't expect to be asked."
– CNNErnst 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.”
– KETVCorker 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 saidThe two met in May in Trump Tower in a private meeting.
– CNNThune 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 JournalAs 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 NewsA 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 saidI'm “not considering” the VP slot and “I'm focused on Ohio."
– Statement to CNN 05/16What Trump has saidPortman is one of the campaign's early favorites for vice president, a senior Trump campaign official said May 4
– CNNGingrich 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 saidTrump called Gingrich “such a great guy, such a great supporter” and said he was “absolutely” on the shortlist.
– Fox NewsPerry 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 NewsRubio 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.”
– CNNScott 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."
– CNNHispanic 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 saidMartinez is one of the campaign's early favorites, a senior Trump campaign official said May 4
– CNNPhoto illustrations: Will Mullery / CNN / Getty Images