Conservative Political Action Committee Straw Poll Results Reveal Top Picks
This year’s Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference saw attendees cast ballots in a straw poll to select their favored choices for who should share the 2024 Republican ticket with frontrunner Donald Trump. CPAC is the largest annual event for conservative organizations and supporters, drawing over 20,000 people. With the primary season winding down, much discussion has turned to who Trump will select as his running mate.
The results of the Conservative Political Action Committee straw poll were announced on the event’s final night. Coming out on top were South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, each receiving 15% of the vote. Following closely behind were former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard with 9% and New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik with 8%. Other high placers included South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and Florida congressman Byron Donalds.
The Contenders Make Their Pitch
Several of the top vote-getters took the opportunity to directly address the CPAC audience, essentially auditioning for the coveted VP slot. Gabbard has been effusively praising Trump while Noem highlighted her record of defying Covid restrictions. Stefanik played a video montage of Trump praising her work. Ramaswamy has campaigned alongside Trump and echoed his America First message. By positioning themselves as stalwart allies of the former president, these contenders aimed to stand out from the pack vying for consideration.
With the primary phase wrapping up, focus is intensifying on Trump’s selection for a running mate who can help energize different segments of the GOP base. The Conservative Political Action Committee straw poll results provide the first real gauge of which potential picks have generated early enthusiasm among the coalition of activists, lobbyists and businesses that dominate the conference. The campaign season is sure to see further jockeying among these candidates as they aim to remain at the top of Trump’s list.