To date, the 2024 US presidential race has been rather predictable.

Sitting President Joe Biden was an obvious choice for the Democratic nomination after announcing his intent to seek re-election, with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate.

On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump has been a dominant presence, quickly outmatching his rivals during the party primaries.

However, a key question remains: who will Trump choose as his vice-presidential candidate?

While the vice presidency carries limited power, historically it can significantly influence a presidential campaign for better or worse.

This year, Trump's choice is particularly crucial, given the closely contested race between him and Biden. Trump is expected to announce his decision shortly, well before the November 5 election.

Al Jazeera evaluates some potential candidates for Trump’s vice-presidential pick, their viewpoints, and their possible contributions to the 2024 Republican ticket.

Elise Stefanik, US Congresswoman

Stefanik made history in 2014 as the youngest woman ever elected to the House of Representatives at the age of 30. Currently representing New York’s 21st District, she has become a prominent figure within the Republican Party.

As the House Republican Conference Chair, Stefanik holds a top leadership position and is an ardent Trump supporter.

She supported Trump's unfounded claims about the 2020 election being fraudulent and was among the 147 Republican legislators who voted against certifying Biden’s win.

Recently, Stefanik gained national recognition for questioning US university presidents over pro-Palestine demonstrations on their campuses during a congressional hearing, accusing them of ignoring anti-Semitism.

Nonetheless, she has faced criticism for promoting divisive messages. In 2021, her campaign released ads suggesting that immigration would change the existing electorate and create a permanent liberal majority, a message echoing the racist 'great replacement theory'.

Recently, Stefanik visited Israel to show support amidst its conflict in Gaza and condemned Trump’s felony conviction in New York, claiming it resulted from a biased justice system.

Tim Scott, US Senator

Scott, the sole Black Republican in the US Senate, entered the presidential race in May last year but withdrew before the primaries began, endorsing Trump instead.

Following this, Trump praised Scott as an excellent politician.

Scott has actively supported Trump, frequently defending him in major US media interviews and accompanying him on the campaign trail.

Recently, he launched a $14 million effort to mobilize Black voters in key states, emphasizing that the Republican Party offers freedom compared to what he describes as Democratic oppression.

Scott, a proponent of law enforcement and religious liberty, has also pushed for educational reforms.

JD Vance, US Senator

Vance transitioned to politics in 2022 after the success of his book, Hillbilly Elegy. His experiences growing up in the Rust Belt resonated with many Americans.

A Yale Law School graduate and Iraq War veteran, Vance serves Ohio in the Senate and is known for his strong criticism of the Biden administration, particularly on economic and immigration issues.

Vance is popular among conservative circles for his opposition to DEI programs aimed at addressing systemic inequalities.

Tom Cotton, US Senator

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton is known for his strong stance on domestic issues, with a significant emphasis on foreign policy.

Cotton is a staunch supporter of Israel and has proposed sanctions against the International Criminal Court for pursuing charges against Israeli leaders.

Despite concerns over Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Cotton assured that he supports Ukraine’s strength amidst the Russian invasion.

Furthermore, Cotton has advocated for separating the US and Chinese economies, particularly targeting the social media platform TikTok.

He gained attention in a congressional hearing where he questioned TikTok's CEO about his ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota

A former software executive and multimillionaire, Burgum ended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination last December, endorsing Trump shortly after.

His campaign initially struggled, relying on gift card exchange for donations to meet debate qualifications.

While praising Burgum’s business acumen, Trump highlighted his endorsement of Burgum.

As governor, Burgum signed a near-total abortion ban and criminalized providing gender-affirming care to minors.

Recently, Burgum supported Trump by attending his hush-money trial and denouncing it as “election interference”.

Marco Rubio, US Senator

Marco Rubio is a seasoned politician, currently representing Florida in the Senate since 2011. Despite past conflicts with Trump during the 2016 GOP primaries, he has recently supported the former president.

Rubio called Trump's recent conviction in New York an “ugly mark” on the US's reputation.

A proponent of stringent border security and a 15-week abortion ban in Florida, Rubio also supports hardline policies against nations like Cuba, Iran, and China.

One obstacle to his vice-presidential candidacy is the 12th Amendment, which prevents both candidates from residing in the same state. ]However, Rubio could change his residency if chosen.