Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt Eyed as Potential Running Mate for JD Vance

Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt is reportedly emerging as a leading contender to be Vice President JD Vance's running mate for a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Axios reported that Vance views Schmitt as "trustworthy, intelligent, and articulate."

Schmitt, 51, previously served as Missouri's attorney general before winning his Senate seat in 2022. Vance has not formally announced a 2028 presidential bid.

While former President Donald Trump has previously suggested a ticket pairing Vance and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Rubio has downplayed speculation about a vice-presidential role, stating his focus is on his current roles as secretary of state and national security adviser.

Republican figures have voiced support for Schmitt. Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz endorsed the idea of Schmitt's potential ambition on X, and Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project, a conservative legal group, called Schmitt a "rockstar" on the platform.

A former Senate GOP aide suggested that a vice-presidential nominee is often chosen for what they don't bring to the ticket, implying a desire for a "drama-free" choice, which could favor Schmitt.

Schmitt and Vance worked together in the Senate and have collaborated as the White House Fraud Czar, leading efforts to combat fraud in federal programs such as COVID-19 relief and healthcare. Following a meeting of the White House anti-fraud Taskforce, Schmitt praised Vance's efforts, stating, "Vice President Vance has done an incredible job cracking down on fraud and exposing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse of our federal programs."

Schmitt also highlighted his own work, adding, "In the Senate, I am proud to lead the Anti-Fraud Task Force to work alongside this Administration to strengthen federal oversight and hold criminals accountable so we can ensure federal programs actually help Americans in need."

Beyond his Senate experience, Schmitt's potential qualifications include his time as Missouri's attorney general, his leadership roles within the Republican Attorney Generals Association (RAGA), and his position as vice chair of the Joint Economic Committee.

Before entering public service, Schmitt played varsity football and baseball at Truman State University. He has also held elected office at the state and local levels and has worked as a partner in a private law firm.

A conservative communications strategist, Dan Rene, commented that while it is "way too early to be picking a VP," he sees Schmitt as an "interesting candidate" due to his understanding of technology and insights into AI, communications, and the economy. Rene added that "Any ticket will have to effectively communicate about the future instead of re-litigating the past."