Former President Donald Trump is expected to secure the GOP presidential nomination for the third consecutive time, based on a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem emerged as the top choices for Trump's running mate, each securing 15% of the vote among CPAC attendees.

Former Hawaii Democrat Rep. Tulsi Gabbard followed closely behind with 9% support, while Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) garnered 8% each. Other notable figures in the VP race included Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) at 7%, Arizona Senate hopeful Kari Lake at 6%, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson with 5% each.

Trump overwhelmingly dominated the CPAC straw poll for the presidency with 94% support, leaving former US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley trailing at 5%. The event, held at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, showcased a competitive veepstakes among prominent Republicans positioning themselves for the VP slot.

During a recent Fox News town hall, Trump confirmed that DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Scott, Donalds, Noem, and Gabbard were among the contenders on his shortlist for vice president. The next major Republican presidential nominating contest is scheduled for February 27 in Michigan, with Trump's team aiming to secure the necessary 1,215 delegates next month.

CPAC, once a hallmark event for the conservative movement, has faced challenges in recent years with declining attendance and controversies. Despite this, Trump's strong support among CPAC attendees underscores his frontrunner status in the race for the GOP nomination.