US President Joe Biden’s decision on July 21 to withdraw from the re-election race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate leaves Harris with a crucial immediate task: selecting her running mate.
Here are some top contenders, provided they don’t seek the presidential nomination themselves, according to sources familiar with internal policy discussions.
Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
Governor Andy Beshear has built a successful political career in a predominantly Republican state that supported Donald Trump by over 25 percentage points in 2020. Beshear has emphasized his achievements in job creation, public education support, and healthcare expansion. He has also vetoed legislation banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, although these vetoes were overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Pete Buttigieg, US Secretary of Transportation
Pete Buttigieg gained a strong following among Democratic voters during his 2020 primary run, winning the Iowa caucus. Seen as a polished defender of Biden’s policies, Buttigieg later endorsed Biden and joined his Cabinet in 2021. The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor also has significant ties in Michigan, a crucial state for Democrats.
Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper has earned praise for his focus on economic development and his ability to maintain relatively strong approval ratings in a politically competitive state that leans Republican. North Carolina voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020.
Mark Kelly, Senator of Arizona
Senator Mark Kelly is well-regarded among Democratic elites for his moderate stance in a traditionally Republican state that Biden won in 2020. A former Navy captain and astronaut, Kelly is married to former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a gun violence survivor and advocate, making gun control a key campaign issue for him.
Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro, in office since 2023, is seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party. His legal background as the state’s attorney general mirrors Harris’ experience as a prosecutor. Winning elections in Pennsylvania, a must-win state for Democrats, highlights his political acumen.
J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
Billionaire Governor J.B. Pritzker has been a significant force in the Democratic Party, using his financial resources to support Biden’s campaign and championing Chicago’s bid for the Democratic National Convention. While Illinois is heavily Democratic, neighboring Wisconsin is a key battleground state for the 2024 election.
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has established a strong presence in Michigan, running on a platform of straight talk and kitchen-table issues. She was vetted as a potential running mate for Biden in 2020 before he chose Harris. Whitmer’s support for Biden’s re-election bid was prominent.
A Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-woman ticket for a major US political party, a notable factor in an election where women’s reproductive rights are a critical issue.