9 Potential Running Mates Kamala Harris Could Select
Here is a brief overview of some possible candidates for running mates.
TroibNews 
The competition to be Kamala Harris' running mate commenced immediately after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed his vice president on Sunday. This sparked various Democrats to propose their favored candidates. For instance, Philadelphia Democratic Party chair and former Rep. Bob Brady suggested Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as an “excellent choice" for the ticket.
According to an insider, Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are being considered as potential running mates. Additionally, a Democratic strategist close to the White House mentioned that Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is also in the running. These individuals were given anonymity to discuss the new political dynamics candidly.
"The question is: who can beat Trump in their home state?" remarked the strategist.
The strategist highlighted Kelly's notable biography, including his combat missions in the Navy and commanding the International Space Station as an astronaut. His wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, has become a symbol for grassroots Democratic organizations combatting gun violence, following the attack at her campaign rally which left her severely injured.
"The good thing is she's got a lot of unbelievable options," the strategist observed regarding Harris.
Various names have been suggested, and many have expressed support for Biden's decision to step down, with some already backing Harris as the nominee.
Here’s a brief overview of potential vice-presidential candidates and their reactions to Biden’s historic decision on Sunday.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
Shapiro, 51, has been serving as governor since 2023 and was Pennsylvania’s attorney general from 2017, following his roles as county commissioner and state representative. Selecting Shapiro could potentially secure additional votes in a critical swing state, essential for Democrats to maintain control of the White House.
“President Biden is a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history,” Shapiro stated on X.
Shapiro pledged his support for Harris as the nominee and urged party members to unite behind her.
“I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades — we’ve both been prosecutors, we’ve both stood up for the rule of law, we’ve both fought for the people and delivered results,” he said. “Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support.”
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
Kelly, 60, has been a senator since 2020, previously serving as a NASA astronaut and Navy combat pilot. Married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords, he represents a pivotal battleground state. He became the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1962 after defeating Republican Martha McSally in a special election for former Sen. John McCain's seat.
“I couldn’t be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future,” Kelly stated on X. “She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer, 52, has been the governor since 2019 and previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. She won the gubernatorial race in 2022 by nearly 11 points in a battleground state, making her a key contender for a future presidential bid.
“President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” Whitmer said on X. “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Beshear, 46, was elected governor in 2019 and recently secured reelection in November with a substantial victory in a deeply red state. He has moderate credentials and political lineage, as his father, Steve Beshear, served as governor after winning against the odds in Kentucky.
"While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party," Beshear said on X.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper
Cooper, 67, has been North Carolina’s governor since 2017 and is barred from running again due to term limits. He served as the state’s attorney general for 16 years and held positions in North Carolina’s Senate and House. Rep. Jim Clyburn has mentioned Cooper as part of the next generation of Democratic leaders.
"President Biden has cemented his place among our nation's finest Presidents,” Cooper stated on X.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Newsom, 56, has been governor since 2019, previously serving as San Francisco’s mayor and California’s lieutenant governor. Although he is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, running with Harris would mean losing California’s 54 Electoral College votes due to the 12th Amendment.
“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president,” Newsom said on X. “He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.” He also endorsed Harris, writing on X that “no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Pritzker, 59, is seen as a potential presidential candidate partly due to his prominence in the party and his ability to self-fund a campaign. His first term as governor saw him strongly criticize Trump over pandemic responses.
“Donald Trump is a 34-time convicted felon,” Pritzker said, focusing on the ex-president’s character and policies.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
Moore, 45, became Maryland's first Black governor in 2023 and is viewed as a possible future presidential candidate. With a distinguished background as a combat veteran and former CEO, Moore expressed admiration for Biden’s legacy on X.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
Former presidential contender Buttigieg, 42, has endorsed Harris, praising her as the “right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President.”
Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to an insider, Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are being considered as potential running mates. Additionally, a Democratic strategist close to the White House mentioned that Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is also in the running. These individuals were given anonymity to discuss the new political dynamics candidly.
"The question is: who can beat Trump in their home state?" remarked the strategist.
The strategist highlighted Kelly's notable biography, including his combat missions in the Navy and commanding the International Space Station as an astronaut. His wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, has become a symbol for grassroots Democratic organizations combatting gun violence, following the attack at her campaign rally which left her severely injured.
"The good thing is she's got a lot of unbelievable options," the strategist observed regarding Harris.
Various names have been suggested, and many have expressed support for Biden's decision to step down, with some already backing Harris as the nominee.
Here’s a brief overview of potential vice-presidential candidates and their reactions to Biden’s historic decision on Sunday.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
Shapiro, 51, has been serving as governor since 2023 and was Pennsylvania’s attorney general from 2017, following his roles as county commissioner and state representative. Selecting Shapiro could potentially secure additional votes in a critical swing state, essential for Democrats to maintain control of the White House.
“President Biden is a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history,” Shapiro stated on X.
Shapiro pledged his support for Harris as the nominee and urged party members to unite behind her.
“I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades — we’ve both been prosecutors, we’ve both stood up for the rule of law, we’ve both fought for the people and delivered results,” he said. “Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support.”
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
Kelly, 60, has been a senator since 2020, previously serving as a NASA astronaut and Navy combat pilot. Married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords, he represents a pivotal battleground state. He became the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1962 after defeating Republican Martha McSally in a special election for former Sen. John McCain's seat.
“I couldn’t be more confident that Vice President @KamalaHarris is the right person to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into the future,” Kelly stated on X. “She has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer, 52, has been the governor since 2019 and previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. She won the gubernatorial race in 2022 by nearly 11 points in a battleground state, making her a key contender for a future presidential bid.
“President Biden is a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” Whitmer said on X. “My job in this election will remain the same: doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Beshear, 46, was elected governor in 2019 and recently secured reelection in November with a substantial victory in a deeply red state. He has moderate credentials and political lineage, as his father, Steve Beshear, served as governor after winning against the odds in Kentucky.
"While his decision today could not have been easy, it is in the best interest of our country, and our party," Beshear said on X.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper
Cooper, 67, has been North Carolina’s governor since 2017 and is barred from running again due to term limits. He served as the state’s attorney general for 16 years and held positions in North Carolina’s Senate and House. Rep. Jim Clyburn has mentioned Cooper as part of the next generation of Democratic leaders.
"President Biden has cemented his place among our nation's finest Presidents,” Cooper stated on X.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Newsom, 56, has been governor since 2019, previously serving as San Francisco’s mayor and California’s lieutenant governor. Although he is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, running with Harris would mean losing California’s 54 Electoral College votes due to the 12th Amendment.
“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president,” Newsom said on X. “He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents.” He also endorsed Harris, writing on X that “no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump's dark vision.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Pritzker, 59, is seen as a potential presidential candidate partly due to his prominence in the party and his ability to self-fund a campaign. His first term as governor saw him strongly criticize Trump over pandemic responses.
“Donald Trump is a 34-time convicted felon,” Pritzker said, focusing on the ex-president’s character and policies.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
Moore, 45, became Maryland's first Black governor in 2023 and is viewed as a possible future presidential candidate. With a distinguished background as a combat veteran and former CEO, Moore expressed admiration for Biden’s legacy on X.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
Former presidential contender Buttigieg, 42, has endorsed Harris, praising her as the “right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President.”
Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
