Vice President Kamala Harris is currently in the process of interviewing six potential running mates over the weekend. The upcoming announcement will be followed by a tour of battleground states with her new running mate next week. Among the individuals on her interview list are Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Tim Walz of Minnesota, as well as Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The information comes from insiders familiar with Harris’ selection process who opted for anonymity due to the confidentiality of campaign discussions.
Shapiro and Kelly were initially considered top candidates during the accelerated selection process, which originally involved around 12 individuals. Some contenders have withdrawn themselves from consideration, including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, citing concerns about being away from the state regularly if chosen for the Democratic ticket.
Harris is expected to finalize her choice for a running mate by Tuesday, coinciding with the beginning of her tour of crucial battleground states, commencing in Philadelphia. President Joe Biden has acknowledged conversations with Harris regarding her vice presidential selection process but refrained from offering specific advice on the qualities she should seek in a running mate.
Changes in the plans of individuals on Harris’ shortlist for this weekend suggest possible developments in the vice-presidential selection. For example, Shapiro canceled three scheduled weekend fundraisers in Long Island, New York, with little explanation provided by his press secretary regarding the modification in his schedule.
While speculation swirls around Shapiro’s potential as Harris’ running mate, with support from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other officials, insiders close to the mayor indicate that the public endorsement was to show support for both Harris and Shapiro as a friend. The video posted on social media by Mayor Parker generated buzz about Shapiro’s potential as Harris’ running mate but was clarified by sources familiar with her intentions.
No official decision regarding the running mate has been disclosed, with anticipation building up until Harris makes her final announcement.
