Who Will Make Harris’s VP Shortlist? Top Contenders Revealed

This article was originally published by The 19th.

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his decision to withdraw from the 2024 reelection race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. This unexpected move has triggered immediate speculation about who Harris might pick as her running mate.

Key considerations for vice presidential picks include policy alignment, personal history, and electoral impact. These factors help determine their effectiveness in pivotal swing states and their resonance with key voter groups.

Alexis Coe, a presidential historian and author, emphasized that a vice president must bring valuable contributions to the ticket. She predicts Harris will likely select a running mate who is not from California, holds moderate ambitions, and appeals to swing voters. Coe anticipates that Harris might choose a relatively inoffensive white man with a family.

“You want a vice president who is great at ticking off boxes on a to-do list, who is an avuncular, sagacious figure,” Coe stated.

According to Reuters, Eric Holder’s law firm is vetting potential candidates for Harris’ list. Some expected candidates have already emerged, as follows:

Andy Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was an attorney general known for challenging Republican Gov. Matt Bevin. His controversial decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as recording license plates of churchgoers who violated stay-at-home orders, have marked his tenure. Beshear, who restored voting rights to thousands of people convicted of nonviolent offenses, narrowly beat Bevin in 2019 and won reelection in 2023 amidst focusing on restoring abortion rights. Beshear quickly endorsed Harris following Biden’s announcement.

Pete Buttigieg.
Secretary of Transportation and former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg, criticized for taking parental leave, is the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet position. He has a background in consulting and has served in the U.S. Navy. Known for his pragmatic progressivism, Buttigieg endorsed Biden in 2020 and has since been a strong advocate for Biden’s economic policies.

Roy Cooper.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, unable to seek reelection due to term limits, has been identified as a rising Democratic leader by Biden confidante Rep. Jim Clyburn. Cooper’s past includes fighting North Carolina’s anti-LGBTQ+ bathroom bill. His endorsement of Harris reinforces his alignment with the current Democratic direction.

Mark Cuban.
Billionaire investor and “Shark Tank” personality Mark Cuban has shown increasing Democratic involvement since 2016. Though supportive of Biden, speculation remains about his political future. Cuban has not yet commented on Harris’ presidential run.

Mark Kelly.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain, has been a vocal advocate for gun control, influenced by his wife, Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt. Kelly endorsed Harris, stressing her capability to lead the country.

Wes Moore.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the state’s first Black governor, campaigned on a platform advocating for higher gun control measures and safeguarding reproductive rights. Previously a Rhodes Scholar and Army intelligence officer, Moore has strong endorsements from prominent figures and aligns himself with progressive governance.

Josh Shapiro.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, elected by a significant margin in 2022, centers his policy on reproductive rights and healthcare access. Shapiro wholeheartedly endorsed Harris, showing commitment to campaign efforts in Pennsylvania.

Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, focusing on essential infrastructure and abortion rights, played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 campaign. Whitmer expressed her full support for Harris while ruling out any plans to leave her current governorship.

The political landscape now looks closely at Harris’ next steps as she prepares for a potentially historic campaign.