As US Vice President Kamala Harris secures the Democratic presidential nomination, anticipation builds around her choice for a vice presidential candidate. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, a potentially decisive swing state, is a top contender, along with three other governors, a senator, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Harris is expected to name her candidate by Monday and plans to appear with them in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The selection of a vice presidential candidate is a strategically important decision, aiming to win crucial votes in swing states.
Should Harris win the presidential election on November 5th, she would be the first woman, the first person of Asian descent, and the second Black head of state. Observers believe it is likely that the 59-year-old will choose a white man with experience outside of Washington as her running mate, in order to appeal to a broad voter base.
Other potential candidates include Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. The decision-making process is unusually short, with candidates normally being vetted for months.
Harris' own nomination happened quickly, as she secured enough delegate votes in an online voting process. President Joe Biden expressed his pride in choosing Harris as his running mate, and Trump has agreed to debate her on September 4th in Pennsylvania.
