Sen. Eric Schmitt to speak at night two of RNC convention

ST. LOUIS – FOX 2 confirmed that night two of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee will feature a “rising Republican political star” from St. Louis County: U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri.

Sen. Schmitt sat down for an interview with FOX 2’s Andy Banker Monday before heading to the convention.

In a span of less than eight years, Schmitt has gone from being elected Missouri State Treasurer to Missouri Attorney General, and now being elected to the United States Senate.

Now, there is talk that there may be more.

Schmitt said he loved the selection of his fellow freshman, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, as Donald Trump’s running mate.

“Absolutely, he’s a smart guy…very smart guy,” Schmitt said.

He remains very much within the circle of trust of former President Donald Trump, and will be a featured speaker on night two of the convention.

“It’s not lost on me how unlikely it is to be on that stage as the grandson of a butcher and son of a guy who worked seven days a week on the midnight shift growing up in Bridgeton,” Schmitt said. “So, I’m going to enjoy the moment.”

He has come a long way since Trump’s first-name-only endorsement of Eric in Schmitt’s race just two years ago against former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens in the Republican Senate primary.

Last month, it was Schmitt who helped Trump get ready for his debate with President Biden.

Sunday night, it was Schmitt speaking on the phone with Mr. Trump after a bullet hit the former president’s ear at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

“It was just hard to believe that it was that close (to his head),” Schmitt said. “I talked to him late last night. He’s resilient and in great spirits, but certainly understands how close everything was.”

Schmitt also stood by Trump during his New York hush money trial in which he was convicted of 34 felony counts.

Now, it is Schmitt who pundits consider a potential Trump cabinet pick, perhaps U.S. Attorney General, if Trump is elected President again in November.

“I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on representing the state that I love in the Senate…never rule anything out and evaluate things as they come along. But right now, my focus is on the Senate. I was elected by the people here. It’s the honor of a lifetime–I mean that sincerely, when I walk into that building and go into the senate and cast a vote,” he said.

Now, another honor is coming his way in Milwaukee. The theme for his convention speech is “Make America Safe Again.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.