Kamala Harris Running Mate | VP Wanted

Who will campaign alongside Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket? The candidate is expected to reveal shortly the name of her running mate, her successor to the vice presidency of the United States if she is elected in November. A look back at the expected candidates.

Josh Shapiro

Governor of Pennsylvania, 51 years old

He is one of the frontrunners in the race. This moderate Democrat worked as attorney general of Pennsylvania. He was elected governor in 2022.

In his favor: Pennsylvania is the most populous of the swing states—those nonpartisan states where the margins between the presidential candidates are slim and decisive. “That’s one reason why the campaign has to consider him,” says Robert Speel of Pennsylvania State University in Erie. His moderate views, his communication skills and his charisma are among his strengths.

Against him: Activists have denounced the observant Jew’s support for Israel. It’s hard to gauge the impact, says associate professor Adam Hilton of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Especially since his comments are in line with mainstream Democratic positions, he adds. Sexual harassment allegations have also been leveled at his legislative affairs secretary. The alleged victim received nearly $300,000 in settlement after her complaint, according to the Associated Press. Although Mr. Shapiro was not personally accused, questions have been raised about his office’s handling of the case.

Mark Kelly

Arizona Senator, 60 years old

A Navy veteran, he’s also a former astronaut — like his twin, Scott. He’s married to former House Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was the target of a 2011 shooting attempt.

In his favor: He comes from a swing state that is on the southern border of the United States. Running on the Democratic ticket “would send a message that the situation at the border is being taken seriously,” said Mr. Hilton, who has written a book on the history of the Democrats. Mr. Kelly has a reputation as a moderate. He has also advocated for better gun control—and a majority of Americans support measures to that effect, Mr. Speel said, even if they disagree on what those measures should be.

Against him: Analysts agree on one thing: Mark Kelly is neither the most charismatic nor the most eloquent in his party. “Other candidates stand out more,” says David Grondin, a professor in the department of communications at the University of Montreal. He is also the only senator among the candidates considered – he was elected in 2022 for a six-year term. If he were to become vice president, the state governor would have to appoint a replacement from the same party, but the seat would then be up for grabs in 2026 and again in 2028.

Since he was elected in 2022 for a six-year term, will Democrats risk launching a new election – which promises to be close – to fill his seat that would be vacant if he becomes vice president?

Pete Buttigieg

Secretary of Transportation, 42 years old

The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, rose to prominence as a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is currently Secretary of Transportation.

In his favor: Pete Buttigieg is described as a communications whiz. His supporters dream of seeing him debate Donald Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance. His name has surfaced as a potential candidate after some high-profile media appearances. Because he’s an openly gay politician, “there’s this feeling among Democrats that this would be a new barrier, that it would be an exciting ticket, and for young voters, it gives them a sense of moving forward, of breaking with the past,” says Philip Klinkner of Hamilton College in New York State.

Against him: A running mate’s profile can help mobilize a group that the presidential candidate needs. But progressives who are excited about his possible candidacy are already supporting Kamala Harris. Mr. Buttigieg’s lack of experience, having never been elected to Congress, is also highlighted. Even if he could have a place in a Harris administration.

Andy Beshear

Governor of Kentucky, 46 years old

A former attorney general of Kentucky, he was elected governor in a state that was nevertheless strongly Republican, in 2019 and then in 2023. A position that his father, Steve Beshear, had held from 2007 to 2015.

In his favor: The 40-year-old won his elections twice in a strongly Republican state. “It’s a great feat of arms, it means that he is still popular with Republicans and especially with independents,” says Mr. Grondin. A charismatic, moderate Southerner who puts forward his willingness to work with Republicans could appeal favorably to more conservative voters or Americans particularly tired of partisanship.

On his downside: He is little known nationally. “There are also concerns that he is ‘too’ moderate,” Mr. Klinkner says. There are doubts about his value to Harris, given his standing in a state that will likely vote for Donald Trump. “I’m not sure what signal Democrats would want to send with this nomination,” Mr. Hilton says.

Tim Walz

Governor of Minnesota, 60 years old

The retired teacher served in the National Guard before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2006. He became governor in 2018.

In his favor: Tim Walz gained media attention recently by calling Donald Trump and J.D. Vance “weirdos”—a phrase Democrats have since repeated. “That put Republicans on the defensive,” Klinkner says. He adds that Walz is a popular and experienced progressive. The governor champions rural voters, who are important for the vote. The former teacher could help Kamala Harris win over the education community, Hilton believes. “Teachers unions are an important constituency,” he notes.

On his downside: Minnesota can be close but tends to lean Democratic, so he’s not the kind of voters in his home state he could bring to the party. “I don’t think he’s a very exciting candidate,” Speel said. Republicans have criticized him for delaying calling in the National Guard to Minneapolis during the 2020 riots following the death of George Floyd.

JB Pritzker

Governor of Illinois, 59 years old

Jay Robert Pritzker is the richest American elected official, with an estimated worth of $3.5 billion, according to ForbesHis family made their fortune in the hotel business.

In his favor: There is no ceiling for a candidate to put his own money into his campaign. He is also known for his ambition and his good relations with more left-leaning Democrats. “He’s a pretty progressive guy,” Klinkner said. The governor has not been shy about publicly attacking Donald Trump, calling him “an old man with an orange tan who fell asleep during his trial.”

On his downside: “The only reason he’s being considered is his wealth,” Speel said. “I don’t see how he’s going to win the swing vote.” Illinois is considered a Democratic state, which doesn’t make it the most strategic choice in that regard.

With the New York Times and the Associated Press