EXCLUSIVEBen Carson is the 'favorite' to take a major position in Donald Trump's cabinet
- Some felt the role would also be a good fit for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Dr. Ben Carson is the favorite to be nominated as Donald Trump's Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS) in the battle for a spot in his cabinet, multiple people familiar with the selection process tell DailyMail.com.
The 73-year-old retired neurosurgeon wants to return to the White House for a second stint after serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Trump's first administration.
Carson was one of the few people who stayed in Trump's orbit and said deserved the chance to be re-elected after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot sparked a slew of resignations and defections.
He was a wild card in the race for vice president, with sources confirming that some closest to Trump's inner circle pushed his selection. And he has been a consistent presence on the campaign trail as the president-elect's National Faith Chairman.
Dr. Ben Carson, 73, is the top contender for the role of Donald Trump's next Health and Human Services Secretary
Carson was a running mate contender because of the deeply-personal rapport he has built with Trump, who said in May, two months before announcing his pick, that he would have done a 'fantastic job' if he joined the ticket.
Trump's preference for Carson shows he is rewarding allies who have stood beside him when deciding who will fill the most senior positions.
The president-elect is holed up in Mar-a-Lago in constant talks with top advisers - including billionaire Elon Musk - filling out his cabinet as the clock ticks down to his inauguration on January 20.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also being touted for a role focused on healthcare under the banner of Trump's slogan 'Make America Healthy Again'.
But it is still unclear in which role he may land.
The HHS Secretary requires Senate confirmation, which could pose complications for RFK Jr. due to his skepticism on vaccinations and other traditional medicines.
But some Democrats might also oppose Carson because he expressed preference for a nationwide ban on abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
'I would love to see a nationwide ban on murdering little babies. I would love that,' Carson told PBS in July.
But he acknowledged he would 'abide by the law of the land,' which gives the policy control back to states.
'The law of the land says that should be looked at the level of the state,' Carson said this summer. 'And I think that's actually not a bad idea, because, at the state level, you get to talk with your representatives. You get to make your opinion known. You get to hear from them and you get to help fashion what they propose.'
With Republicans controlling the Senate, it's unlikely that Trump will face roadblocks with his nominees.
Some sources confirmed to DailyMail.com that those in Trump's inner circle were vying for him to select Ben Carson as a running mate in the 2024 election
Carson has shown his loyalty by defending Trump throughout his third run for the White House.
He predicted the Republican nominee would see the surge in African-American support that helped propel him to an historic win over Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a storied medical career, he completed the first successful separation of conjoined twins who were attached by the back of the head.
In 2013, he rose to political prominence with a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast where he slammed then-President Barack Obama's healthcare policies.
After retiring as a surgeon in the same year he went on to become a Fox News commentator and then in 2016 launched a presidential run.
With his Christian conservative views he became a surprise frontrunner in the race.
But he dropped out of the primaries after Super Tuesday and has supported Trump ever since.
Sources told DailyMail.com Carson has been 'vying' for a role and that HHS is the 'best fit.'
Alongside fellow contender Eric Hargan - who was briefly Acting HHS Secretary in the first Trump administration - Carson is considered to be Trump's preferred choice.
Lacena 'Candy' Carson (right) joins her husband on stage at a campaign rally in September 22, 2015 when Dr. Carson was running for president
