Kamala Harris appears set to be the Democratic Party nominee for president following Joe Biden’s exit from the race – but who will she pick as VP?
It is now being reported that Mrs Harris’ campaign has asked for vetting materials from five potential options, according to two sources familiar with the list.
They told Sky News’ US partner network NBC News that there were two other unnamed people possibly under discussion, but they have not necessarily been contacted for vetting.
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Here’s a look at the five reported names:
Josh Shapiro
“Get shit done” is Josh Shapiro’s slogan for how he wants to run Pennsylvania.
The governor is a rising star in the Democratic Party and is seen as one of a handful of governors who had been building their national profiles and positioning themselves for a 2028 run for the White House – before the issues with Biden emerged.
Mr Shapiro enjoyed a relatively high level of support from Republicans in the 2022 run-up to his election as governor, compared to other Democrats, and he maintains decent approval ratings across the aisle.
He also has the benefit of coming from Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. If he can deliver his home state for the Democrats, it would be a huge asset in addition to whatever he brings to the ticket as a candidate.
He has already endorsed Kamala Harris to be the nominee.
Gretchen ‘Big Gretch’ Whitmer. Pic: Reuters
Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer’s swift ascent over the past two decades – from law school graduate to Michigan’s governor – has established her as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party.
Ms Whitmer, 52, had been pushing the topic of abortion access in her role as co-chair of the Biden campaign, saying he is on the “right side” of the abortion fight.
She blames Trump for fuelling the political hatred that motivated a plot to kidnap and kill her that was foiled by the FBI in 2020.
She has embraced the nickname “Big Gretch”, which was popularised by a Detroit rapper.
Like Mr Shapiro, Mrs Whitmer hails from a swing state with a significant amount of Electoral College votes.
She has also endorsed Kamala Harris.
Senator Mark Kelly. Pic: Reuters
Mark Kelly
While he’s not a governor like Whitmer, Newsom and Shapiro, Mark Kelly is a prominent Democrat senator from Arizona – one of the key battleground states that could decide the election.
His background as a veteran and former NASA astronaut who has flown in space four times is compelling, too.
He is married to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head during an assassination attempt in 2011 that killed six people and injured 13. Mrs Giffords recovered and the pair went on to co-found a gun safety advocacy group.
As a senator from a state that borders Mexico, a potential Kelly VP pick might give the Democrats more authority to speak on immigration issues – likely to be a flashpoint in November’s election.
He has also endorsed vice president Harris.
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper. Pic: Reuters
Roy Cooper
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper has won praise from Democrats for his strong focus on economic development.
He has won relatively strong approval ratings in a politically competitive state that leans Republican and voted for Republican candidate Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020.
North Carolina is one of the seven swing states considered key to winning the 2024 election, making Mr Cooper an interesting pick for VP if he can help deliver the state.
Mr Cooper has at times made little secret of his flirtation with higher office. In an interview with Sky News’ partner NBC News in March, he said: “I love public service, I think I have more in the tank, and I will see what options I have after I leave office.”
He has thrown his support behind Mrs Harris.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Pic: AP
Tim Walz
Tim Walz might not have the same name recognition as some of the others, but he’s well-placed as the governor of Minnesota.
Betty McCollum, elected to the House by the same state, suggested Ms Harris needs a “strong Midwestern running-mate” like Mr Walz.
Mr Walz, 60, who co-chairs of the rules committee for the Democratic National Convention, maintained strong support for Mr Biden despite his shaky debate performance last month.
That’s the five people who the Harris campaign has reportedly requested vetting materials on.
Others who have been discussed in the media include:
Gavin Newson hails from California. Pic: Reuters
Gavin Newsom
California governor Gavin Newsom, 56, is an established figure in the Democratic Party and was among the names being floated as a potential pick to replace Biden, though he has since endorsed Mrs Harris.
He is seen as a strong voice within the party and a talented debater, with a background in business, encompassing restaurants and hotels, in his career before politics.
While he is well-regarded, he would be an unlikely VP pick for Mrs Harris, were she to be the nominee.
The pair hail from the same state – heavily Democrat-leaning California – so he does not help deliver her (or anyone) a home swing state.
There’s also the potential wrinkle that the US constitution appears to possibly prohibit Electoral College electors from voting for inhabitants of their states for both president and vice president.
Kentucky’s Democratic governor Andy Beshear. Pic: Reuters
Andy Beshear
A blue governor in a deeply red state, Andy Beshear has one of the strongest approval ratings of any Democrat politician.
His election as governor was largely the product of the unique brand he built in ruby red Kentucky, effectively separating himself from the national party by focusing on state issues.
Mr Beshear has touted his record of bringing jobs to Kentucky, supporting public education and expanding healthcare access.
As governor, he has vetoed legislation banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, although the vetoes were overridden by the Republican-dominated legislature.
Even if Mr Beshear was the Dems’ VP pick, it would take a huge upset for Kentucky to buck a decades-long trend of voting Republican in the presidential election.
He has backed a Harris nomination.
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US transport secretary Pete Buttigieg. Pic: Reuters
Pete Buttigieg
‘Mayor Pete’ built a strong fan base among Democratic Party voters when he ran against Joe Biden for the nomination in 2020.
Mr Buttigieg, an openly gay navy veteran, is raising twins with his husband, Chasten, who has become a cultural figure in his own right on the left.
Seen as a polished defender of Biden policies, Buttigieg later endorsed Mr Biden and has served as Secretary of Transportation in his cabinet.
The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor also has deep ties in Michigan, a critical state for Democrats in November.
In the aftermath of Mr Biden’s announcement on Sunday, Mr Buttigieg endorsed Mrs Harris for the nomination.
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JB Pritzker. Pic: Reuters
JB Pritzker
Illinois governor JB Pritzker has proven a major force in the party, tapping his own financial resources to help Mr Biden’s campaign effort.
He has been outspoken about protecting women’s reproductive rights and has held up Illinois as a beacon for women seeking access to care.
He has also signed a host of progressive initiatives into law including a ban on assault weapons, an increase in the minimum wage and measures to legalise cannabis and expunge records.
While Illinois leans heavily Democratic, neighbouring Wisconsin is one of the biggest prizes in the 2024 election so it may be that billionaire Pritzker could help his party seize its all-important Electoral College votes.
He has also endorsed Kamala Harris.
Content Source: news.sky.com