Vance downplays VP talk, says Trump hasn't discussed it with him

Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance on Thursday downplayed speculation that he could serve as former President Donald Trump's running mate, stating that he and Trump had never discussed the prospect.

Vance has attracted attention as a potential VP in recent months, along with House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and a handful of others. 

The Ohio Republican, for his part, told Fox News's Laura Ingraham that "I've never actually spoken to the president about VP speculation. My simple answer is, I wanna help him however I can," per The Hill. "I'm also happy to support the agenda in the United States Senate, and regardless, Laura, you have to remember, my job is to serve the people of Ohio, whether it's supporting Trump's agenda in the Senate, or serving in some other role."

Vance has emerged as one of Trump's most stalwart supporters in the upper chamber after the former president endorsed him in a crowded GOP primary.

"In the Great State of Ohio, the candidate most qualified and ready to win in November is J.D. Vance. We cannot play games. It is all about winning!" Trump said in 2022.

Trump has kept his VP deliberations relatively close the vest this cycle, though several high-profile contenders have indicated they are unlikely to accept the post. Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott have both said they will not join Trump's ticket while Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio said he had not discussed it with Trump.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.