After additional delegates decided to side with Donald Trump on Thursday, the billionare real estate mogul has now officially clinched the Republican nomination with 1,239 delegates. Trump will accept the nomination at the Republican National Convention in July, where he will also announce who will be joining him on the ticket heading into the general election in November.

Trump's running mate

Ever since announcing his candidacy for president last June, Trump has been surrounded by controversy. From making controversial remarks about illegal immigrants from Mexico, to women, and even the disabled, Trump has found a way to weather the storm of criticism and walk out the winner in the GOP primary.

Earlier this month, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who was previously tapped to head a vice president search team, released top names that were on Trump's VP short list. One of those names included former half-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. The rumor died down when Convention manager Paul Manafort spoke to The Huffington Post and said that picking a woman would be viewed as "pandering," but Trump backtracked on those comments while speaking to reporters on Thursday, as reported by The Hill on May 26.

"I fully expect that we will have many women involved," Trump said, contradicting the claim made just 24 hours prior by Manafort.

"I've had it with the campaign but we're going to have many women involved," Trump continued, stating, "I think you're going to see that." The former host of "The Apprentice" defended Manafort's comments, saying he was simply "misquoted."

In addition to Palin, former Arizona Gov.

Jan Brewer and current Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin were also listed as possible running mates for Trump, but neither has been getting as much press as the failed 2008 vice presidential candidate. While it's unknown if Palin will be seriously considered for the position, she has refused to object to the offer during recent interviews.

Election forecast

As Trump locks up his party's nomination, he's expected to face off against Democratic front runner Hillary Clinton. While Clinton's lead was once double digits as late as last month, Trump has been able to chip away at the deficit. According to Real Clear Politics most recent rolling average, Trump and Clinton are tied on a national level, polling within the margin of error.
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