Kamala Harris, having secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for the US presidential election, is now facing the significant challenge of selecting a running mate. Reports emerging from the US media suggest that three prominent Democrats have risen to the top of the list: Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, and Mark Kelly. These individuals have been asked to provide personal information as part of a rigorous vetting process led by a team overseen by former attorney general Eric Holder.
Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, who assumed office just last year, is rapidly gaining prominence within the Democratic Party. His appeal stems from Pennsylvania’s crucial role in recent presidential elections, particularly Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump in 2020. Shapiro’s endorsement of Harris emphasizes his alignment with her vision for the presidency.
Roy Cooper, the Governor of North Carolina, governs a state that has been pivotal in both recent presidential contests, initially won by Trump in 2016 and retained in 2020. Cooper has publicly voiced his support for Harris, highlighting her stance on issues such as women’s rights and criminal justice reform. His endorsement underscores Harris’s ability to effectively challenge Trump’s policies.
Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and US navy captain, currently serves as Senator from Arizona, a state at the forefront of national debates on immigration and gun control. His personal narrative, which includes his wife Gabrielle Giffords’ tragic experience with gun violence, adds a compelling dimension to his candidacy. Kelly’s endorsement of Harris aligns with his advocacy for Democratic priorities on these critical issues.
Beyond these three frontrunners, other names have surfaced in media reports. Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, was also reportedly asked to submit vetting information. However, he may not be inclined to accept the position. In a previous interview, he told CBS, “I do love my job here in Kentucky…The only reason I’d ever consider something else is if I felt that I can help my people in Kentucky more in a different role or that there was a chance to move past the partisanship, the constant fighting.”
Gretchen Whitmer, the twice-elected governor of Michigan, has also been mentioned. However, she has reportedly stated that she is “staying in Michigan.”
The decision regarding the running mate undergoes a comprehensive vetting process, which typically takes months. However, in this instance, the process will be accelerated to reach a conclusion before the Democratic National Convention (DNC) opens in Chicago on August 19th.
