Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has emerged as a leading contender for Vice President JD Vance’s potential 2028 running mate, following reporting from Axios on September 24, 2024. The revelation comes as Vance, who has not formally announced a 2028 presidential bid, continues to evaluate potential vice presidential candidates.
Schmitt’s rapid rise in speculation stems from his close working relationship with Vance during their time together in the U.S. Senate. According to Axios, Vance has privately described Schmitt as ‘trustworthy, intelligent, and articulate.’ Schmitt, who previously served as Missouri’s attorney general before winning his Senate seat in 2022, has also collaborated with Vance in Vance’s current role as the White House Fraud Czar, coordinating legislative and executive actions.
The timing of Schmitt’s emergence as a top contender coincides with broader Republican discussions about potential 2028 ticket dynamics. While former President Donald Trump has previously floated combinations including Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), neither Vance nor Rubio has formally addressed their 2028 intentions. Rubio, who holds dual roles as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, has publicly dismissed speculation about his candidacy, stating in late September that he is ‘not a candidate for anything right now.’
Supporters of Schmitt’s potential selection have highlighted his low-drama reputation and legislative experience. A former Senate GOP aide, quoted by the Daily Mail, noted that the appeal of a vice presidential nominee often lies in ‘what they don’t do for the ticket,’ emphasizing the importance of avoiding controversy. Conservative commentator Matt Gaetz (R-FL) publicly endorsed Schmitt on social media platform X, writing, ‘I would support any ambition of Senator Schmitt.’ Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project, a conservative legal group, similarly praised Schmitt as a ‘rockstar’ in a post on X.
Schmitt’s profile has also been bolstered by his three-year tenure in the Senate, where he has been active in oversight efforts, including questioning former special counsel Jack Smith during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. The hearing focused on allegations related to the Biden administration’s handling of the Justice Department, with Schmitt among those scrutinizing Smith’s actions, including claims of warrantless surveillance of Republican lawmakers.
While Vance has not confirmed any decision regarding a running mate, the Daily Mail reported that Schmitt’s selection would reinforce a Midwestern and Senate-centric ticket, aligning with Vance’s background and political alliances. The potential pairing has drawn attention given their shared legislative history and ongoing collaboration in Vance’s current role.