Top Contenders for Kamala Harris' Vice President
Top Contenders for Kamala Harris' Vice President


WASHINGTON– President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the reelection race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has left her with a pivotal task: choosing her running mate. To assist in this crucial decision, Harris has enlisted the law firm of former Attorney General Eric Holder to vet potential candidates.

 

Here are the top contenders under consideration, provided they do not pursue the presidential nomination themselves:

 

Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has thrived politically in a predominantly Republican state, where Donald Trump won by over 25 percentage points in 2020. Beshear has a strong record of job creation, supporting public education, and expanding healthcare access. Despite vetoing legislation banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, which were overridden by the Republican legislature, Beshear endorsed Harris, expressing his belief that she could lead America to a better future. Although he loves serving Kentucky, he hinted that he might consider the vice presidency if it meant further helping his state and country.

 

Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg gained a significant following during his 2020 primary run, winning the Iowa caucus. A polished advocate of Biden's policies, Buttigieg has strong connections in Michigan, a key battleground state. He endorsed Harris, stating she is the right person to defeat Trump and succeed Biden, pledging his full support to her campaign.

 

Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper has earned praise for his focus on economic development and his ability to maintain strong approval ratings in a politically competitive state that leans Republican. Cooper endorsed Harris, highlighting her prosecutorial background and ability to challenge Trump’s policies. He emphasized that Harris is the right person to spotlight Trump's shortcomings and to lead the nation.

 

Mark Kelly, Senator from Arizona

Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy captain and astronaut, is well-regarded for his moderate stance in a traditionally Republican state that Biden won in 2020. Kelly, married to former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of gun violence, has made this issue central to his platform. He expressed strong confidence in Harris’s ability to lead and defeat Trump, promising his and his wife’s full support.

 

Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has a background as a lawyer and served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general, similar to Harris's prosecutorial career. Shapiro, who has a history of winning elections in a crucial state for Democrats, endorsed Harris, praising her commitment to democracy, justice, and the American people.

 

J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

Billionaire Governor J.B. Pritzker has been a major force in the Democratic Party, utilizing his resources to support Biden's campaign and the upcoming Democratic National Convention. While Illinois is a Democratic stronghold, neighboring Wisconsin is a crucial battleground. Pritzker endorsed Harris, emphasizing the importance of electing a woman president and highlighting her leadership qualities and vision for America.

 

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has built a strong base in Michigan with her focus on straightforward, relatable issues. Considered for Biden’s running mate in 2020, Whitmer has been a top supporter of his reelection bid. While endorsing Harris, Whitmer stated she would not leave Michigan to serve as vice president. She emphasized Harris's commitment to lowering costs, restoring freedoms, and building a strong economy, urging voters to prevent Trump from returning to the White House.

 

As Harris navigates these critical decisions, her campaign aims to unite the Democratic Party and present a formidable challenge to Donald Trump in the upcoming election.