Vice President Kamala Harris is conducting interviews with a group of potential running mates this weekend in preparation for a formal announcement and a tour of battleground states with her new No. 2 next week.
The list of interviewees includes Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Tim Walz of Minnesota, as well as Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, according to sources familiar with Harris’ selection process. These sources have requested anonymity to discuss confidential campaign discussions.
Shapiro and Kelly were considered top contenders in the initial selection process, which began with around a dozen names being vetted. Some candidates, like North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, have publicly removed themselves from consideration due to concerns about the demands of national campaigning.
Harris’ deadline for choosing a running mate is set for Tuesday, coinciding with the start of her tour of seven crucial battleground states, commencing in Philadelphia.
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President Joe Biden confirmed that he has discussed Harris’ search for a vice presidential candidate but declined to offer specific advice on qualities to look for in a running mate.
Some candidates on Harris’ shortlist have abruptly canceled weekend plans, hinting at potential developments in the vice-presidential selection process. For example, Shapiro canceled fundraisers in Long Island, NY, with little explanation for the change.
There have been speculations and endorsements for various candidates, with some suggesting inside knowledge of Harris’ decision-making process, though these claims are not confirmed.
