Vice President Kamala Harris is currently considering several potential running mates for the 2024 Democratic ticket, including Governors Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, as well as Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. These men all served as state attorneys general and could bring balance to the ticket in terms of geography, ideology, and executive experience.
According to reports, a growing number of House Democrats believe that Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona would be an ideal choice for Harris's running mate due to his military background as a Navy captain and astronaut, as well as his leadership on gun policy. Some Democrats also see him as someone who could help address Harris's biggest weakness: the border.
Kamala Harris served as California's attorney general for six years before becoming vice president. She was introduced to Joe Biden by her late colleague and friend, Beau Biden, who was then Delaware's attorney general. Now, as she considers her own running mate, Harris is looking at men who also held the position of attorney general in their respective states.
Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina directly overlapped with Harris as attorneys general. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky came into the job as she was leaving her post, and Trump entered the White House. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania also served as attorney general after Harris left her position.
All three men have proven their ability to work in a way that benefits not only their party but all residents in their states. However, some Democrats question Kelly's ability to connect with voters on the ground or command attention on the stump. Additionally, there are concerns about opening a purple-state Senate seat if Kelly leaves.
Some progressives dislike many of the positions held by both Kelly and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and are pushing for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris's vice president instead. Despite these differences, Harris is down just two points to Trump in Pennsylvania compared to a seven-point deficit in Arizona.