Byron Donalds, 45, has helped elevate the profile of black conservatism.
Born in New York to a single mother, Mr Donalds worked in banking, insurance and finance before entering local politics in Florida in 2012.
After four years in the Florida House, he has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2020, representing his party’s right wing in Washington.
On June 15, Mr. Donalds joined Trump at a campaign event in Michigan aimed at winning support from black voters. The former president has publicly touted Mr. Donalds as a potential vice presidential candidate.
“Byron Donalds is a great guy, and I noticed he happened to be on the list of potential vice presidents,” Trump said. “Would anybody like to see him as vice president?”
In an interview with Fox News, he appeared coy when asked whether he had discussed the job with Trump.
“Maybe, maybe not,” Mr. Donalds said. “I’ll keep that to myself.”
“I think President Trump will make a great decision,” the congressman continued. “Obviously it’s his decision, and his alone.”
However, talk of him running has died down in recent days as US media reported that Trump’s shortlist had narrowed.
