Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is denying reports that she is in a “death race” against failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake to become former President Donald Trump’s running mate should he win the GOP nomination next year.
“Kari Lake is not my opponent,” Greene told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday. “I’m excited to support her when she announces she is running for Arizona Senate.”
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Greene’s comments come in response to reports from Rolling Stone over the weekend alleging a behind-the-scenes feud between the two Trump allies as they angle to become his running mate pick. Although the two rarely criticize one another in public, the pair view each other unfavorably behind closed doors, the outlet reported, and even consider one another as “direct competition for Trump’s political affections."
“Lake is a grifter and [is] trying to keep riding Trump’s coattails because she lost [in Arizona], so she’s cozying up on the election-integrity messaging,” Greene has said about Lake, sources told the outlet.
Meanwhile, Lake has privately theorized whether Greene has leaked negative information about her to the press to damage her potential candidacy, it reported.
Greene and Lake have each been floated as possible contenders to join Trump’s ticket; however, both of their chances are thought to be low.
Greene has long positioned herself as a close ally of Trump, frequently defending the former president amid his criminal indictments and other legal woes.
However, the Georgia Republican herself says she is a long shot for the No. 2 pick.
“I would be honored [but] I think the last person that the [Republican National Committee] or the national party wants is me as his running mate,” she told the New York Times.
Lake's campaign, after she won the CPAC straw poll as the preferred vice presidential candidate, simply responded by saying: “We’re flattered, but unfortunately our legal team says the Constitution won’t allow for her to serve as Governor and VP at the same time.”
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The comment referred to Lake’s unfounded claims that she did not lose the Arizona governor’s race last year, instead blaming election misconduct. Lake brought those claims, which were later dismissed, to court.
Lake is also considering a run for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-AZ) seat, which could complicate any effort to become Trump’s running mate. A spokesperson for Lake has not responded to a request for comment regarding those plans.