Who Might Kamala Harris Pick as Her Running Mate?

In the whirlwind of political happenings, Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up for an essential stage of her political journey, choosing her Vice-Presidential running mate. Harris’s decision comes amidst mounting pressure, and the choices she faces, now being discussed widely, includes a host of Democrats likely to be Presidential candidates in 2028 or potentially earlier.

As the Democratic party heads towards its nominating convention in Chicago on Aug 19, 2024, Harris, at the age of 59, may be swaying towards a candidate from a battleground state that the party crucially needs to win, possibly an individual of the opposite gender to maintain ticket balance. The current political scenario suggests a host of notable names stand a chance to be Harris’s pick.

Favorable Contenders

Andy Beshear

The Democratic Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, 46, serves his second term in an overwhelmingly Republican state. His victory in 2019 surprised many as Mr. Trump had previously won the state by an approximate 30 percentage points in 2016. However, his easy re-election last year displayed his political viability. Beshear is known for achieving the “common good” by cooperating with Republicans on numerous pieces of legislation, thereby embodying a potential allure for moderate white voters in the suburbs.

Roy Cooper

Currently running the helm of North Carolina at 67, Governor Roy Cooper inhabits a state that can be dubbed ‘swing-adjacent,’ given its leaning towards Barack Obama in 2008. Choosing Cooper could make the state competitive or at least drain the Trump campaign’s monetary resources. However, his term limits restrict him from running again. In his absence, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, known for his conservative Republican stance and ongoing governor candidature, will take his place.

Mark Kelly

Arizona’s Mark Kelly, 60, became a national figure following an assassination attempt on his spouse, Representative Gabby Giffords, in 2011. Subsequently dedicating himself to campaigning for stricter gun control, he clinched his Senate seat in 2020. Kelly, a Navy and astronaut veteran, has cultivated a moderate Arizona image while assembling a coalition comprising suburban white women and young Latino voters, who were instrumental in Biden’s 2020 victory in the state.

JB Pritzker

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, 59, may originate from a non-swing state, but his potential financial contributions to the campaign may well pack a punch. As a billionaire, he could significantly boost the campaign’s finances, especially as Trump garners immense financial support. Pritzaker’s fierce criticism of Trump has gathered attention amongst Democrats.

Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, took office in 2022 after a stint as the state’s attorney general beginning in 2017. His rise amongst Democrats came after his landslide victory over Republican Doug Mastriano, taking 56 percent of the votes. Notably, he has condemned rising antisemitism, successfully managed swift repairs after a chaotic bridge collapse on I-95, and would be the second Jewish running mate on a major-party ticket in history if chosen.

Potential Contenders

Amongst the names floating in the discourse since Biden announced his plans are other interesting figures, including Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Gina Raimondo, and Tim Walz. Buttigieg is currently the Secretary of Transportation, Moore is the Governor of Maryland, Raimondo is the Secretary of Commerce, and Walz is the Governor of Minnesota.