Meet Tim Scott, the South Carolina senator and former GOP candidate who could become Trump's pick for vice president

Talia LakritzMar 5, 2024, 00:18 IST

Tim Scott and Donald Trump at a campaign event in New Hampshire in January 2024.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is on Donald Trump's shortlist of potential running mates.
The only Black Republican in the Senate, Scott helped pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017.

South Carolina senator Tim Scott, Donald Trump's former GOP opponent, is now on his shortlist of potential 2024 running mates, should the former president secure the Republican nomination.

A devout Christian and the only Black Republican in the Senate, Scott announced his presidential campaign in May 2023 but was out of the race by November. He endorsed Trump in January.

Here's a look at Scott's upbringing, political career, and possible future as Trump's vice president.

Tim Scott grew up in poverty and worked as an insurance agent before pivoting to politics.

Tim Scott in 2011.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011.

Speaker of the House John Boehner participates in a ceremonial swearing-in with Tim Scott in January 2011.Alex Wong/Getty Images

In 2012, Nikki Haley, then governor of South Carolina, appointed him to fill a vacant Senate seat.

Tim Scott speaks to reporters at the South Carolina Statehouse after being introduced by Nikki Haley to fill the Senate seat vacated by Jim DeMint in December 2012.Tim Dominick/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Scott is a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Ranking member Sen. Tim Scott speaks during a hearing with the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill in September 2023 in Washington, DC.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

He announced his candidacy for president in May 2023.

Tim Scott delivers a speech announcing his candidacy for president in May 2023.AP Photo/Mic Smith

Scott's unmarried status raised questions throughout his campaign. He brought his girlfriend to the third Republican debate, and the two are now engaged.

Tim Scott poses onstage with Mindy Noce after the Republican presidential debate in November 2023.Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Shortly after the debate, Scott suspended his presidential campaign.

Republican presidential candidates at the third Republican primary debate.(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

He endorsed Trump in January, four days before the New Hampshire primary.

Tim Scott speaks at a Trump campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire, in January 2024.TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Trump told Fox News in February that Scott is on his shortlist of possible vice presidential candidates.