Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumed 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, has reportedly narrowed down her list of potential running mates to three elected officials. President Joe Biden endorsed Harris following weeks of interparty fighting among Democrats on whether he should step down after his debate fiasco against former President Donald Trump. The shortlist includes Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Harris’ campaign has begun vetting potential running mates, but has not released any official statements regarding the selection process.
Mark Kelly, 60, is a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain who was elected to the Senate in November 2020. He is married to Gabrielle Giffords, a former congresswoman who survived a 2011 assassination attempt. Josh Shapiro, 51, became Pennsylvania’s governor in January 2023 after serving as the state’s attorney general. Tim Walz, 60, has been Minnesota’s governor since 2019 and previously served as a U.S. representative. Other potential candidates mentioned in various reports include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Beshear, 46, was elected governor of Kentucky in 2019 after serving as the state’s attorney general. Cooper, 67, has a long history in North Carolina politics, starting in the state’s House of Representatives in 1987 before becoming attorney general and then governor. Pritzker, 59, became governor of Illinois in 2019 and comes from a family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain. Whitmer, 52, is Michigan’s governor and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, with previous experience in the state legislature. Newsom, 56, has been California governor since 2018, after serving as lieutenant governor and mayor of San Francisco. Buttigieg, 42, is Biden’s transportation secretary and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who ran for president in 2020.
The potential running mates represent a diverse group of politicians with various backgrounds and experiences in state and federal government. Harris’s decision on her vice presidential pick for the 2024 election will likely have significant implications for the Democratic Party’s campaign strategy and chances of winning the presidency. The process of vetting and selecting a running mate is critical for building a strong, cohesive ticket that can appeal to a broad range of voters and effectively address the pressing issues facing the country. The dynamic between the presidential candidate and their running mate can greatly impact the outcome of an election and shape the future of the party’s leadership. As the selection process continues, the spotlight will be on Harris and her team as they navigate the complex decision-making process of choosing a vice presidential candidate for the upcoming election.
