New York Republican Emerges As Betting Favorite To Become Trump’s VP

U.K.-based bookmakers at Oddschecker — a site that sets odds for sports and prominent races in both U.S. and U.K. politics — has pinned U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as the favorite to become the Republican nominee for vice president.

As of late January, bookmakers are giving Stefanik odds of +490 to become the nominee. The odds are heavily factoring in the assumption that former President Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee come November, as he has managed to pull off dominating victories in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

The two states were seen as potential challenges for Trump, considering the fact that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spent significant time and resources in Iowa while Haley did the same in the Granite State. Still, Trump managed to maintain a polling lead for months and managed to win both states with ease.

Oddschecker has pegged Trump’s chances of securing the nomination at -1250, making him a hefty favorite.

Stefanik has joined Trump on the campaign trail for a number of rallies in recent weeks. She has also emerged as a fierce critic of the numerous civil and criminal cases brought against Trump in her home state.

While bookmakers are giving Stefanik the edge as of late January, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem trails just behind the New York congresswoman at +620. Like Stefanik, Noem has also endorsed Trump and campaigned with him on numerous occasions.

Businessman and Trump challenger turned devoted supporter Vivek Ramaswamy also trails close behind at +680, solidifying the three as odds-on favorites as of this report.

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) was given the next best chance at +1200. Scott most recently introduced Trump after he emerged victorious in New Hampshire, where he called on Nikki Haley to drop out of the race.

Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson was next on the list at +1400. While Carson has remained relatively quiet on the political front, Trump has stated that he would make an “excellent” running mate in the past.

Nikki Haley was given long shot odds of +2100, though Trump has previously ruled the former South Carolina governor out. Kari Lake was also given odds of +2900 despite the fact that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Arizona’s tightly contested Senate seat.

Other candidates named included former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon at +3300, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders at +3500, ex-Democrat congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at +3700, and both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Tucker Carlson at +5400.

While Trump is not expected to announce a running mate until the Republican primary is wrapped up, he has told supporters that his selection has already been made. The former president has continued to keep speculation going, however, as he has referred to multiple candidates on the list as solid choices.