Updated Jul 31, 2024 - Politics & Policy
Who could be Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick
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Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to select her running mate in the coming days, a highly anticipated announcement that will be her first major decision as a presidential candidate.
Why it matters: Several names have already been floated for the coveted spot, which would be a key launching pad for a rising star within the party, and should give Harris a boost in areas where she may be vulnerable.
- She is expected to hold a rally in Philadelphia with her running mate next Tuesday, before barnstorming cities across the seven major swing states with her VP pick.
Driving the news: A number of attributes may factor into Harris' VP decision. Hailing from Democratic stronghold California, she may select a popular lawmaker from one of several swing states to broaden her appeal.
- Govs. Josh Shapiro (Pa.), Andy Beshear (Ky.), and Tim Walz (Minn.) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly have emerged as frontrunners for the position, but Harris reiterated Tuesday that she had not yet selected her running mate.
- Here's who has been floated as a possible running mate for Harris, in no particular order.
Josh Shapiro
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is a popular governor in a crucial swing state that Trump's campaign has already indicated will be central to their campaign strategy.
- Shapiro, a first-term governor, easily beat Trump-backed Republican challenger Doug Mastriano in 2022 and has broad bipartisan appeal, winning support from even some Republicans in his state.
Mark Kelly
- U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former astronaut and the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, a victim of a 2011 mass shooting in Arizona, is another possible contender.
- Kelly has won two elections in the key swing state, including a decisive victory in 2022. Trump had been leading Biden in polling there.
Andy Beshear
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has gained national attention as a popular two-term governor in a deep-red state. He centered his 2023 campaign around reproductive rights, proving him to be an effective communicator on the key issue for Democrats.
- Beshear, 46, is also one of the nation's youngest governors, which, in an election where much has been made about the ages of the candidates, could be a boost among young voters. But Harris may also opt for a running mate with more political experience under their belt.
Tim Walz
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has also emerged as a possible top contender in recent weeks. A Nebraska native, he could help Harris appeal to working-class and rural voters in the crucial "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
- Elected governor in 2018, Walz has implemented a number of progressive policies, including codifying the right to abortion into state law and implementing universal gun background checks.
JB Pritzker
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has been a top Biden campaign surrogate, but now he's been floated as a possible Harris running mate given his rising profile within the party.
- Pritzker, currently serving in his second term as governor, is a progressive voice for the party and has been a fierce advocate for reproductive rights, a central campaign platform for Harris and Democrats.
- He's also elevated his national profile by taking on rival GOP governors, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Pete Buttigieg
- Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has been a rising star within the Democratic Party since he ran for president in 2020. He is the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., and has been an effective messenger for the party during the Biden administration.
- He would be the first openly gay person to be selected as a presidential candidate's running mate.
Gary Peters
- With Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer effectively taking herself out of the running for VP, Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D) has emerged as a possible contender, Axios previously reported.
- Labor leaders have discussed Peters as a possible running mate with the Harris campaign. He could give Harris a boost in the key swing state.
Who has been likely ruled out
- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced this week that he had withdrawn from consideration. He was viewed as a top contender given his popularity in North Carolina, which has been viewed as a possible pick-up opportunity for Democrats.
- Whitmer, a popular two-term governor from the key swing state, has also taken her out of the running for VP, saying earlier this week that she's "not a part of the vetting" process.
Go deeper: What's next for Democrats, delegates to replace Biden on the ticket
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting. This story has been corrected to reflect that Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is 46 years old (not 39).
