Republican Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) is scheduled to join President Donald Trump for a fundraiser in Ohio this month.
The appearance is further fueling speculation about Vance’s standing in the race for Trump’s vice president pick.
The May 15 fundraiser in Cincinnati is described as a “lunch discussion” with Trump, NBC reported.
Vance is listed as Trump’s “special guest.”
Attendees are asked to contribute $50,000 per individual or $100,000 per couple.
A former swing state, Ohio has moved to the right since Trump swept the Rust Belt in the 2016 election.
Today, Ohio is reliably red and seen as a part of Trump’s country.
Vance is often mentioned as a top contender for Trump’s 2024 election running mate, as Slay News reported.
The freshman senator, a former Trump critic, is today known for his fiery populism and vocal support of Trump and his America First agenda.
Trump forged a close relationship with Vance in 2022.
At the time, Trump boosted the political newcomer in a crowded Senate primary.
They worked together to help Bernie Moreno win the Republican primary for Ohio’s other Senate seat.
This year, Republicans are hoping to flip that seat which is held by incumbent Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
Vance is also a close friend of Donald Trump Jr., who sang his praises in a New York Times article about their relationship.
He revealed that they text almost every day.
But President Trump has kept his cards close to his chest, treating the VP race almost like a game show.
“Any person who tells you they know who, how or when President Trump will choose his VP is likely wrong unless that person is named Donald J. Trump,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.
During an interview Sunday with Fox News, Vance was prodded about his next steps.
The senator said he is “close” with Trump, but the subject of VP has never come up before.
He said he would “seriously consider” it.
“I talk to President Trump a lot. We’re very close,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”
“I’ve never spoken to him about being vice president.
“So, I assume that a lot of this is media speculation.”
Vance also gave Trump a hearty endorsement, calling him a “fireman” in a chaotic world.
The senator will travel to Palm Beach, Florida this weekend for a donor retreat with Trump.
Also in attendance are other Republicans rumored to be VP contenders.
Those on the guest list include Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
