Tulsi Gabbard, a former House member who ran for president in 2020 as a Democrat and then left the party, has expressed interest in potentially serving as Donald J. Trump’s running mate on the Republican ticket. During a speech at the Richard M. Nixon Library and Museum in California, she stated, “If asked to serve in that way, I would be honored to do so.” Ms. Gabbard, who is now an independent, is considered a long shot for the role but has caught the attention of Mr. Trump with her criticism of Democrats and frequent appearances on conservative news outlets. She has also visited Mr. Trump at his private club and residence, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida.
Mr. Trump has indicated that he is likely to announce his choice for running mate closer to the Republican National Convention in mid-July. Meanwhile, during her speech, Ms. Gabbard criticized the hush-money case against Mr. Trump in New York, calling it politically motivated. She notably voted “present” on both articles of impeachment against Mr. Trump in 2019 while she was in the House, although she was not present during his second impeachment.
Michael C. Bender contributed reporting.
