Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, faces a critical decision that could shape the outcome of the upcoming election: choosing a running mate. As the first woman of color to lead a major party’s presidential ticket, Harris’s choice for vice president is under intense scrutiny. This decision could influence voter turnout, sway undecided voters in key swing states, and ultimately determine whether the Democrats can maintain control of the White House.
With an announcement expected by Tuesday, the Harris campaign has been carefully vetting potential candidates. The campaign plans to hold a joint rally in Philadelphia, a strategically significant city in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where the chosen running mate will be unveiled. Following the rally, Harris and her running mate will embark on a tour of six additional swing states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada.
The front-runners: Shapiro and Kelly
Two names have emerged as the top contenders for the vice-presidential slot: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Both are seen as strong candidates who could help Harris secure vital swing states in a tight race against former President Donald Trump.
Josh Shapiro: As the governor of Pennsylvania, Shapiro has a strong record of winning in a purple state. He has demonstrated his appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, having secured three statewide victories since 2016. His experience as a state attorney general, like Harris’s own background, adds credibility to his stance on law and order—a key issue in this election cycle.
Shapiro’s selection would not only aim to secure Pennsylvania, a must-win state for the Democrats, but also signal Harris’s commitment to addressing key progressive issues. However, Shapiro’s stance on Israel’s U.S.-backed actions in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed, could alienate pro-Palestinian voters, a demographic that the Democratic Party cannot afford to lose. His refusal to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and his harsh stance against student protesters advocating for divestment from Israel have sparked criticism from progressive leaders, including former Ohio state lawmaker Nina Turner, who cautioned that Shapiro’s selection “would be a mistake.”
Mark Kelly: Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona brings a different set of strengths to the table. A former naval pilot and astronaut, Kelly is a respected figure who has championed gun reform—a deeply personal issue for him and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a mass shooting in 2011. Kelly’s popularity in Arizona, a state that Biden narrowly won in 2020, could help Harris solidify support in this key battleground.
However, Kelly’s reluctance to endorse the PRO Act, legislation crucial to expanding workers’ rights and facilitating unionization, has raised concerns among labor unions, a critical Democratic constituency. Despite these reservations, Kelly’s strong electoral record in Arizona and his potential to appeal to independent and moderate voters make him a compelling choice.
The broader field: Other potential picks
While Shapiro and Kelly are leading the pack, other names have also been floated, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths, but also potential drawbacks.
Pete Buttigieg: As the current Transportation Secretary and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Buttigieg is considered an effective communicator and a rising star within the Democratic Party. However, his lack of experience in a statewide executive role and the absence of a clear electoral advantage in any swing state may weaken his appeal as a running mate.
Tim Walz: The governor of Minnesota, Walz offers a Midwestern perspective that could help Harris in that region. His background as a teacher might complement Harris’s career as a prosecutor, potentially broadening the ticket’s appeal. However, Minnesota is not a key battleground state, and Walz’s occasional conservative stances, particularly on gun issues, may alienate progressive voters.
Andy Beshear: As the governor of Kentucky, Beshear has shown an ability to win in a deep-red state, appealing to Trump voters—a skill that could be valuable in the general election. However, his relative obscurity on the national stage and the likelihood that Kentucky will remain a Republican stronghold may diminish his viability as a running mate.
Strategic implications and the importance of the VP pick
The selection of a vice-presidential candidate is not just about balancing the ticket; it’s also about mobilizing key voter blocs, securing vital swing states, and addressing the pressing issues of the day. In a closely contested election, the right running mate could make the difference between victory and defeat.
Harris’s choice will signal the direction of her campaign and her priorities as a leader. Whether she opts for a candidate who can help her secure a critical swing state like Pennsylvania or Arizona, or one who can bolster her support among key demographics, the decision will be pivotal.
As the campaign prepares for the announcement, all eyes are on Harris to see who she will choose to stand by her side in this high-stakes election. As Nina Turner noted, “Choosing the right running mate is not just about winning votes; it’s about shaping the future of the Democratic Party and the country.”
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