Three Top Contenders Emerge in Kamala Harris VP Hunt

Vice-President Kamala Harris is set to reveal her running mate within hours, following interviews with at least three top contenders on Sunday. The presumptive Democratic nominee met with Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly, and Governor Tim Walz at her Washington home.

Other contenders may have had virtual interviews over the weekend. Harris will be formally nominated at the top of the ticket later on Monday and will hold her first event with her vice-presidential pick in Philadelphia on Tuesday. She will take on Republican Donald Trump in the presidential election in November.

Here’s a look at the leading candidates for her running mate, starting with those interviewed on Sunday:

The Leading Contenders:

Josh Shapiro: Pennsylvania Governor

Shapiro, a charismatic and popular governor, could help Harris capture Pennsylvania, a critical state for Democrats. The 51-year-old gained national attention last year for his swift action in rebuilding a collapsed bridge on a pivotal Philadelphia highway. If chosen, Shapiro would be the first Jewish vice-president.

However, his strong support for Israel during the Gaza war and his criticism of student protests on school campuses in Pennsylvania could be divisive within the Democratic Party. Additionally, his support for private school vouchers has drawn criticism from public education advocates, who recently urged Harris to pick a candidate more committed to public education.

Mark Kelly: Arizona Senator

Kelly, a swing-state senator with an impressive resume, could appeal to voters across the political spectrum. The former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut has spent more than 50 days in space on multiple missions. Kelly, 60, was sworn into office in December 2020 and is married to Gabby Giffords, a leading voice on gun safety laws after surviving a gunshot to the head in 2011.

Kelly's strong border stance and occasional criticisms of the Biden administration could attract independent and conservative voters. However, his role in founding World View, a company that received early venture capital funding from Chinese tech giant Tencent, has drawn some criticism, despite Kelly stepping away from the company in 2019.

Tim Walz: Minnesota Governor

Walz, a seasoned leader who served 12 years in Congress before becoming governor in 2018, has gained national attention for his straightforward criticism of Trump and JD Vance. His plainspoken and small-town Midwestern persona could appeal to independent and conservative voters.

Walz led Minnesota through the 2020 protests over George Floyd's death, deploying the National Guard to help quell riots. He also has a background in the National Guard, teaching high school, and coaching football. However, his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 protests has been criticized by political opponents.

Other Contenders:

Andy Beshear: Kentucky Governor

Beshear, 46, has maintained a successful Democratic career in a state Trump carried by 20 points in the last election. His vocal criticism of JD Vance and his strong Christian faith could bolster the Democratic ticket. However, his veto of a law banning transgender surgery or drugs for children, which was later overridden by the state assembly, has drawn ire from some Republicans.

Pete Buttigieg: Transportation Secretary

Buttigieg, 42, has become one of the White House's best communicators since his failed 2020 Democratic primary campaign. As Transportation Secretary, he has managed several public crises and demonstrated his skill in interviews and public appearances. However, his handling of the East Palestine train derailment and criticism for taking parental leave during a supply-chain crisis have been points of contention.

As the country awaits Harris' announcement, the political landscape remains highly charged with the upcoming election drawing near.