Byron Donalds, 45, has helped raise 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 of Representatives, he has served since 2020 in the US House, representing the right-wing flank of his party in Washington.
On 15 June, Mr Donalds joined Trump at a Michigan campaign event aimed at winning over black voters. The former president openly touted Mr Donalds as a potential running mate.
“Byron Donalds is an incredible guy, and I noticed he happens to be on the list of potential vice-presidents,” Trump said. “Would anyone like to see him as a vice-president?”
In an interview with Fox News, he played coy when asked if he had discussed the job with Trump.
“Maybe, maybe not,” Mr Donalds said. “I’m going to keep that to myself.”
“I think President Trump is going to make a great decision,” the congressman continued. “Obviously it’s his decision, his decision alone.”
Talk of his joining the ticket has cooled in recent days, however, as US media has reported that Trump’s shortlist has narrowed.
