Vice President Kamala Harris is currently considering various governors from battleground states as potential running mates for the upcoming US presidential election against Donald Trump and JD Vance. According to reports, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are among the contenders on Harris' shortlist. Each of these individuals brings unique strengths to the table that could benefit Harris' campaign.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has strong support from influential Democratic donors such as Mike Bloomberg and Jennifer Duda, setting fundraising records for Pennsylvania statewide races. His ability to raise significant funds could be a valuable asset for Harris' campaign.
Senator Mark Kelly, who hails from Arizona, has a record of support from the tech sector and has received over $1.5 million in donations from tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, AT&T, Alphabet and Meta. His connections within the tech industry could help Harris tap into this crucial voting bloc.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has strong ties to unions and organized labor. Given the importance of labor votes in swing states, Walz's inclusion on Harris' shortlist could be a strategic move to appeal to this demographic.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg maintains a national fundraising network and has helped raise funds for the Biden campaign in the past. His experience and connections within Democratic circles could prove valuable for Harris as she seeks to build momentum for her campaign.
Despite these advantages, it is important to note that no decision has been made yet regarding Harris' running mate. The announcement is expected to be made in the next six to seven days, according to a Democratic campaign co-chair. It remains to be seen which of these contenders will ultimately secure the coveted spot on Harris' ticket.