Vice President Kamala Harris is considering four potential running mates after President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election in 2024 and endorsed her. CNN’s Jamie Gangel reported that Harris is evaluating possible candidates to create an exciting and winning ticket.
The names under consideration include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
President Biden’s announcement to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race came after significant pressure from within the Democratic Party and key donors, urging him to step aside for the party’s future. This move has dramatically altered the political landscape, necessitating a swift selection of a new nominee before the party’s August 7 deadline.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Navy captain, is one of the potential running mates. Kelly became a senator in 2020 and won reelection in 2022. He is a strong advocate for gun control and has served on several important Senate committees. Kelly has publicly endorsed Harris, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the country.
Kamala Harris Considers Four Potential Running Mates After Biden’s 2024 Withdrawal
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, another potential candidate, has been the governor since 2019. He has a background in law and served as the state’s attorney general. Beshear has focused on criminal justice reforms and expanding voting rights. Although he hasn’t explicitly endorsed Harris, he praised Biden’s presidency and emphasized the need for national unity.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, also under consideration, has a long history in public service, having served as the state’s attorney general and in the General Assembly. As governor, Cooper has implemented various policies to protect public safety and expand education. Cooper has expressed his support for Harris, highlighting her ability to defeat former President Trump and lead the nation with integrity.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the fourth candidate, has been the governor since 2023 and previously served as the state’s attorney general. Shapiro has focused on protecting voting and abortion rights and raising the minimum wage. He has a strong background in legal and legislative work and has voiced his support for Harris, calling her a patriot and a capable leader for the country.
Each of these potential running mates brings a unique set of skills and experiences that could complement Harris’s campaign. Mark Kelly’s military and space background, Andy Beshear’s focus on criminal justice, Roy Cooper’s public safety initiatives, and Josh Shapiro’s legal expertise and progressive policies all offer different strengths to the ticket.
The Democratic Party is now focused on quickly uniting behind Harris and organizing a strong campaign to maintain the presidency. With Biden’s endorsement and the support of her potential running mates, Harris is positioning herself as a formidable candidate for the 2024 election.
