Vice President Kamala Harris is in the final stages of selecting a running mate for her upcoming campaign, with a fast-tracked process that typically takes months but now must be completed in just a few weeks. The vetting process is being led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his team at Covington & Burling.
The potential candidates being considered include Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. These choices aim to provide demographic balance for the historic ticket, which would be headed by a woman of color.
Harris, who has secured the necessary delegates for the Democratic nomination, aims to finalize her decision before the virtual roll call vote in early August, just ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The goal is to ensure a smooth and drama-free process as the Democratic Party seeks to project confidence after recent turbulent weeks.
Choosing a vice president is a critical test for Harris, who was herself chosen as Joe Biden's running mate after her own presidential campaign ended. With Biden's decision not to seek a second term, Harris has emerged as his successor, endorsed by the president.
The importance of the vice presidential choice is underscored by historical examples where vice presidents have unexpectedly assumed the presidency. The role of the vice president has evolved over time, from a ceremonial position to a key adviser and troubleshooter for the president.
On the Republican side, President Trump selected Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate, a move criticized by Democrats for Vance's perceived extremism. Harris is likely to choose a more moderate candidate to balance her liberal reputation.
Potential choices for Harris include former state attorneys general Beshear and Shapiro, as well as Sen. Kelly and Gov. Cooper. Each brings unique qualifications and experiences to the table, offering Harris a diverse range of options for her running mate.
As the decision-making process unfolds, Harris faces the challenge of selecting a candidate who can step into the role of president if needed, emphasizing readiness as a key criterion for her choice.
