Who is vying to be Kamala Harris’s vice president?
The Vice President Kamala Harris is currently seeking a Vice President candidate. Kamala Harris, a recently declared presidential candidate, will seek a running mate who can assist her in defeating former President Donald Trump in November. It could indicate the selection of a running mate who has a strong presence in a battleground state or states, or someone who adds diversity to the ticket in terms of their background.
Based on a survey conducted by the Associated Press, it appears that the vice president has garnered sufficient support from Democratic National Convention delegates to secure the party’s nomination. She needs to choose a running mate before the gathering in Chicago on Aug. 19.
Some Democrats believe that Harris may opt for a white man to bring a sense of equilibrium, similar to how her gender and race were considered when President Biden selected her as his running mate in 2020. It’s interesting to note that the list below, which includes only a few of the most frequently mentioned names, is predominantly composed of white men.
The list also includes a significant number of governors. Harris could consider selecting someone from Congress, although she already possesses that experience on her résumé. However, governors offer valuable executive experience that could be beneficial. Several ideas that are being considered also originate from key battleground states.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose potential aspirations for 2028 are being considered, may face a notable obstacle due to his shared residency with Harris in the state. According to the Constitution, it is required that the president and vice president hail from different states.
All of those below have expressed support for Harris, which is likely a necessary condition for being chosen. The list is organized alphabetically, as it is currently premature to make predictions about the uncertain field.
Andy Beshear
The governor of Kentucky secured a second term in November in a state that predominantly leans Republican. The 46-year-old achieved victory in both urban and rural areas, a feat that is becoming less common for Democrats. With his impressive state approval rating in polls, he has emerged as one of the most popular Democratic governors in the country. Additionally, he has been actively expanding his national networking, fueling speculation about his potential as a presidential candidate in 2028. His skill in appealing to white working-class voters could prove advantageous in several key states.
Pete Buttigieg
Choosing the transportation secretary would result in a vacancy in the current cabinet, but it would probably invigorate Democrats. Buttigieg, who gained the nickname “Mayor Pete” during his 2020 presidential campaign, has garnered support from both the base and independent voters. The individual, who is experienced in analyzing economic factors, has faced significant challenges related to infrastructure and transportation during their current role. The former mayor of South Bend, Ind., is openly gay and plays a prominent role in advocating for LGBTQ rights within the administration. His husband hails from the fiercely contested state of Michigan.
Roy Cooper
The 67-year-old governor of North Carolina is reaching the end of his term after winning elections in 2016 and 2020, coinciding with Trump’s victories in the battleground state. Despite facing challenges from the Republican-controlled General Assembly, the moderate Democrat made some progress in moderating abortion legislation last year. That issue is a key priority for Democrats this year. Harris and Cooper had concurrent tenures as state attorneys general. They became acquainted during that time, and Cooper has joined her for campaign events this year.
Mark Kelly
The 60-year-old senator from Arizona secured re-election in 2022 and has the potential to assist Democrats in winning a battleground state that has shown a recent inclination towards Trump in polling. In addition to his military background, the former astronaut and Navy veteran would also contribute valuable experience to the ticket. This is similar to JD Vance, who was chosen by Trump as his running mate during the Republican National Convention. Kelly’s victory in 2022 marked his second consecutive win, having previously secured the seat in 2020 to fulfill the remainder of the late Republican Sen. John McCain’s term. Arizona has traditionally been a stronghold for the Republican party, but in recent years, Democrats have managed to make significant gains in the state. This has been made possible through the support of a diverse coalition, which includes anti-Trump Republicans and independent voters. Kelly is married to ex-Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a near-fatal shooting in 2011 and has since become a prominent advocate for gun control.
Wes Moore
The 45-year-old Maryland governor, an Army combat veteran and Rhodes scholar, assumed the role of his state’s inaugural Black chief executive following his election in 2022. As part of a nationwide trend to relax restrictions on the drug, Moore, an author and former nonprofit executive, made a significant move by signing an executive order pardoning over 175,000 cannabis-related convictions in June. Moore, who has been occupied lately with addressing the unfortunate incident of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, has been speculated as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
J.B. Pritzker
The governor of Illinois is the only billionaire on the list and has been strategically positioning himself for potential national opportunities, possibly with an eye towards a future presidential campaign in 2028. The 59-year-old has been actively advocating for the Biden-Harris ticket in battleground states and has been particularly engaged in championing abortion rights. His political acumen has expanded during his tenure as governor, and he is a prominent contributor to the Democratic party, which will likely earn him some diplomatic attention during the search process, if nothing else. He has been selected to assist in organizing the upcoming national convention in Chicago next month.
Gina Raimondo
While the commerce secretary may not contribute gender diversity or battleground strengths to the ticket, her executive experience as a former Rhode Island governor is noteworthy. The 53-year-old has gained prominence in Washington and has the potential to enhance the ticket’s appeal to those who prioritize business interests, an area where Democrats are occasionally met with skepticism. She also possesses a strong background in foreign policy, particularly in navigating diplomatic relations with China.
Josh Shapiro
Winning Pennsylvania is crucial for Democrats if they hope to retain control of the White House. The 51-year-old governor is highly regarded and garnered a greater portion of the statewide vote in 2022, surpassing Biden’s performance in the 2020 election. Shapiro gained national attention when he served as state attorney general and conducted a prominent investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. If chosen, Shapiro would become only the second Jewish running mate on a major-party ticket in American history. His strong support for Israel may pose challenges within the Democratic base, which has expressed concerns about Biden’s approach to the conflict in Gaza. In addition, his early endorsement in 2023 of a Republican-backed plan to allocate $100 million towards private-school tuition and school supplies drew criticism from teachers’ unions, a longstanding support base for Democrats.
Tim Walz
The Minnesota governor, a seasoned politician with a diverse background, was successfully re-elected to a second term in 2022. He has been making more frequent appearances in neighboring Midwest states as a surrogate for Democrats, which could prove beneficial to Harris in the battleground state of Wisconsin. It seems that he has aspirations beyond his current role. He navigated Minnesota through the tumultuous aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. Walz has consistently advocated for abortion rights and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Gretchen Whitmer
The governor of Michigan, who seems to have a strong following, made it clear that she has no intention of leaving her state, seemingly in response to Harris’ presidential candidacy. Whitmer, 52, was considered as a potential running mate for Biden in 2020. If she were on the 2024 ticket, her presence could potentially boost the Democrats’ chances of winning a state that has historically been considered their weakest among the three “blue wall” states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Given her statements, it appears more probable that she will continue to be a strong representative for Harris in Michigan.
