Former President Donald Trump all but secured the Republican Party's nomination earlier this month, leading to widespread speculation over who his running mate will be.

According to New York Post contributor Daniel McCarthy, Trump's VP pick could come from either his current or former home state.

Figures from New York and Florida being looked at

One name McCarthy mentioned is former New York Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, who launched a gubernatorial run in 2022.

Although Zeldin's challenge to New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul was ultimately unsuccessful, McCarthy pointed out that his results were nevertheless better than expected.

Another possibility is New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who serves as House GOP Conference chairwoman. Fox News reported last year that Stefanik filed an ethics complaint against a federal judge who has issued decisions in cases involving Trump as well as January 6 defendants.

Also said to be receiving consideration is Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, who vigorously campaigned for Trump during the GOP primary race.

Zeldin, Stefanik, and Donalds all bring something to the table

McCarthy argued that going with Stefanik could help Trump to shore up support with female voters while selecting Zeldin could be a way for Trump to make inroads with Jewish voters at a time when many Democrats are adopting a pro-Palestinian tilt.

He also recalled how Zeldin "demonstrated with his gubernatorial campaign what a disciplined GOP effort can accomplish in a blue state short of actually winning it."

Further, while McCarthy acknowledged that Trump is unlikely to carry New York's 28 electoral votes, a strong showing there could help with winnable down-ballot races.

Meanwhile, Donalds is known for being "fiercely loyal" in his defense of Trump, a trait which Trump is known to appreciate.

This led McCarthy to remark that if the former president "wants a black running mate, he might prefer Byron Donalds, one of his staunchest defenders in Congress, to Sen. Tim Scott, whose all-in enthusiasm for Trump is a recent development."

Sources deny that Marco Rubio is being considered

The fact that Donalds is a Florida resident could create problems under Article II of the Constitution, which states, "The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves."

However, McCarthy was quick to point out that Trump owns properties in multiple states and would be free to move if necessary.

While there have been reports that Trump is also considering Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, McCarthy says his sources have denied this.