Former Rep. David Jolly (R-Fla.), who left the Republican Party and became a critic of Donald Trump, says first-term Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) is “totally unqualified” to be the former president’s running mate.
Jolly Tune in to MSNBC on Friday The gathering was held to discuss Trump’s long-awaited announcement of who he will choose as his Republican nominee for November’s presidential election, with leading candidates including Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
“I think Rubio and Burgum are very safe candidates and I think they have the governing ability and the experience,” Jolly said, adding, “I think J.D. Vance is completely unqualified.”
“As a country, we should want the right person,” he continued, “and regardless of what you think about Rubio, Burgum, their ideology, I think we should check that box.”
In a recent interview, Vance said he would be “very interested” in the role of vice president for Trump, but that he plans to remain a senator “for a few years to come.”
“I love being a senator. I’m not looking to leave the United States Senate. It’s an honor to serve the people of Ohio and, frankly, if asked, I expect to be there in six months,” he said.
Vance, who was previously a critic of Trump but has since backed the former president, was elected to the Senate in 2022.
After the first presidential debate, Rubio, Burgum and Vance all endorsed Trump, praising his performance over President Biden’s lackluster debate performance.
Rubio said he was not a running mate and that “at this time, no one is a running mate.”
Jolly, who represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017, said he believes Rubio has “done his time” and that, as a Cuban-American, he could help bring a new base of voters to Trump.
Jolly argued that there isn’t enough time for the public to get to know Burgum before the election, but he could be someone who “lives in Donald Trump’s shadow,” which could intrigue the former president.
Trump said he has already chosen his running mate and plans to announce her at the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15.
The former president is also scheduled to hold a rally on Wednesday in Doral, Florida, just outside Rubio’s hometown of Miami. But the fact that the two live in the same state could pose a problem if Trump chooses Rubio.
“Look, the convention is next week. Trump has to make a decision soon,” Jolie said. “It could be Wednesday. I don’t know.”
