In a stunning turn of events, US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would be ending his re-election campaign, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
Attention now turns to who Harris might choose as her running mate. The decision will be crucial as delegates prepare to vote next month at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to officially confirm the party’s ticket.
Historically, vice presidential candidates are selected to complement the presidential nominee’s strengths and appeal to key demographics. Political strategists suggest that Harris may opt for a white male from a swing state to broaden the ticket’s appeal. Several prominent Democrats have emerged as potential contenders:
Mark Kelly, Arizona Senator
Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and decorated combat veteran, stands out as a strong possibility. His success in Arizona, a critical swing state, including a decisive victory in the 2022 mid-term election, makes him an attractive choice.
Recent polls have shown Trump leading in Arizona, making Kelly’s potential to boost Democratic popularity in the state particularly valuable.
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Kelly’s personal connection to the issue of gun violence adds depth to his candidacy. He is married to former House Representative Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 mass shooting in Arizona. With gun control being a major campaign issue for Democrats, Kelly’s firsthand experience could resonate powerfully with voters.
Andy Beshear, Kentucky Governor
Andy Beshear has demonstrated remarkable political acumen as a Democratic leader in the predominantly Republican state of Kentucky. After winning his first term in 2019, he secured re-election in 2023 by championing key Democratic issues such as public education and reproductive rights.
Beshear’s ability to win in a state that voted for Trump by over 25 percentage points in 2020 showcases his broad appeal. At 46, he is one of the nation’s youngest governors, potentially attracting younger voters to the ticket.
Previously considered a potential party leader for the 2028 presidential election, Beshear’s White House aspirations could now be accelerated with Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor
Gretchen Whitmer, serving her second term as Michigan’s governor, has become an increasingly influential figure in Midwest Democratic politics. Many political observers have speculated about her potential run for president in 2028.
Whitmer’s track record of campaigning for Biden and her openness about her political ambitions make her an intriguing choice. In a New York Times interview, she expressed her desire to see a Generation X president in 2028, though she stopped short of explicitly putting herself forward for the role.
Her leadership in Michigan has been marked by significant achievements. In 2022, she spearheaded a campaign that resulted in Democratic control of both the state legislature and the governor’s office. This political success enabled her to implement a range of progressive policies, including safeguarding abortion access and passing gun safety legislation in Michigan.
Following Biden’s announcement, Whitmer quickly reaffirmed her commitment to the Democratic cause, stating that her focus would remain on “doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor
Josh Shapiro has garnered high approval ratings since his election in 2022 as governor of Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that Trump narrowly won in 2016. Shapiro’s previous experience as the state’s attorney general and his reputation for bipartisan cooperation during his governorship add to his appeal.
Shapiro captured national attention last year when he oversaw the rapid reconstruction of a collapsed bridge on a vital Philadelphia highway. This swift and effective response was widely praised as a significant political win for the first-term governor and highlighted his competence in handling infrastructure issues – a key talking point for any potential presidential candidate.
In response to Biden’s withdrawal, Shapiro praised the President as “one of the most consequential presidents in modern history” and pledged to “do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”
As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected shift in leadership, the selection of Harris’s running mate will be crucial in shaping the party’s strategy for the 2024 election. Each of these potential candidates brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, offering Harris a range of options as she seeks to build a winning coalition against the Republican nominee.
Roy Cooper, North Carolina Governor
Roy Cooper stands out as a Democratic success story in a state that has twice favored Trump, both in 2016 and 2020. North Carolina’s rapidly growing population, particularly around major urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh, presents a significant opportunity for Democrats. Recognizing this potential, Vice President Harris has made several visits to the state this year to bolster party support.
Cooper’s appeal extends beyond his popularity. With a political career spanning back to 1987, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His journey through public service includes terms in both the House and Senate, followed by an impressive 16-year tenure as the state’s attorney general, secured through three successful re-election campaigns. Since 2017, Cooper has served as governor, winning re-election in 2020.
Expressing his support for Harris’s presidential bid, Cooper shared on social media: “I’ve known (the vice-president) going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom has emerged as one of the Biden administration’s most vocal and effective advocates. While often discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, some Democratic pundits had speculated about his prospects as Biden’s replacement in the current race.
Newsom has significantly elevated his national profile in recent years. He’s become a key party spokesperson on conservative media outlets and garnered attention for his debate against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year.
Throughout Biden’s tenure, Newsom has remained a steadfast supporter. He participated in high-level meetings with the President and other prominent Democratic governors in Washington this July, and headlined a Biden campaign event in Michigan on Independence Day.
Following Biden’s withdrawal announcement, Newsom praised him as a “selfless” president and endorsed the “fearless” and “tenacious” Harris to face Trump in the upcoming election.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg’s presidential ambitions are well-known, having run for the Democratic nomination in 2020. He is widely regarded as one of the Biden administration’s most effective communicators.
As Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg has navigated several high-profile public crises. He played a key role in overseeing the government’s response to major incidents such as the East Palestine train derailment in Ohio, the Baltimore Bridge collapse, and Southwest Airlines’ scheduling crisis in 2022.
Commenting on Biden’s legacy, Buttigieg stated on social media that the President had “earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents in American history.” He pledged to “do all that I can to help elect Kamala Harris the next President.”
JB Pritzker, Illinois Governor
JB Pritzker, Illinois’ governor, has increasingly gained national attention for his outspoken criticism of Trump and his vigorous defense of Biden. The billionaire businessman, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain, is known for his quick and pointed critiques of Trump on social media.
Following a recent debate, Pritzker called Trump a “liar” and described him as a “34-count convicted felon who cares only about himself.”
Like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pritzker has successfully implemented key items on progressive Democrats’ agenda, particularly in areas such as abortion rights and gun control.
Pritzker lauded Biden’s presidency, stating he had run “one of the most accomplished and effective presidencies of our lifetime.” He has yet to comment on who should succeed Biden.
Other Potential Candidates
The pool of potential nominees extends beyond these prominent Democrats, reflecting the party’s deep bench of talent.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has recently gained national attention following his handling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker, both of whom have previous presidential campaign experience, enjoy significant name recognition among Democrats.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, who secured a crucial victory in a highly contested Senate race in a swing state, is another notable contender.
As the Democratic Party navigates this unexpected transition, the selection of Harris’s running mate will be pivotal in shaping the party’s strategy for the 2024 election. Each potential candidate brings unique strengths, experiences, and regional appeal, offering Harris a diverse range of options as she seeks to build a formidable ticket against the Republican nominee.
