Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate for the upcoming US presidential election within the next week. This announcement was confirmed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a key figure in Harris's campaign, during a recent interview on CBS. Whitmer clarified that she is not in consideration for the position, reaffirming her commitment to her gubernatorial role through the end of her term in 2026.
As speculation mounts, three primary candidates have emerged as the frontrunners: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Among these, Kelly has garnered the most favorable public perception, according to a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll. The poll revealed that 22% of respondents viewed Kelly favorably, giving him a net favorability of +10, which is significantly higher than his competitors.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Harris is expected to solidify her campaign. "I would imagine we'll know who her running mate is, and we'll get ready for the convention," she stated. The selection of a vice-presidential candidate is seen as a critical step in bolstering Harris's bid against the Republican ticket of Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Senator Mark Kelly's background as a navy pilot and astronaut, coupled with his political experience, positions him as a strong candidate. His favorable public image is further enhanced by his marriage to Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman and advocate for gun control reform. Despite his strengths, Kelly remains relatively unknown to a large segment of the American public, a challenge he will need to overcome should he be selected.
In contrast, Governor Tim Walz and Governor Josh Shapiro, though experienced and respected in their own right, have not achieved the same level of public favorability. Walz, a former teacher and national guard sergeant, has a net favorability of -1, while Shapiro stands at +4. Both have played significant roles in their states, with Shapiro notably governing a key battleground state that proved pivotal in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
The choice of running mate is crucial for Harris, not only for balancing the ticket but also for addressing the criticisms and challenges she faces. Harris's own favorability has seen fluctuations, with the latest ABC News/Ipsos poll indicating a slight improvement to a net favorability of +1. This uptick comes as Harris secures endorsements and consolidates her position as the Democratic nominee.
Harris's campaign has emphasized the importance of selecting a vice president capable of taking on JD Vance, whom they criticize for his lack of experience and controversial remarks. Harris campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu described Vance as "one of the most unprepared people ... ever put up to hold the vice-presidency of the United States," highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election.
As Harris finalizes her decision, she faces the task of choosing a candidate who can effectively campaign against the Trump-Vance ticket while also appealing to a broad spectrum of voters. The process, informed by Harris's own experience as a vice-presidential pick, underscores the need for resilience and readiness in the face of political challenges.
In a recent statement, Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer reinforced the criteria for the selection: "Vice-President Harris will select a vice-president who is qualified and ready to serve the American people, protect their freedoms, and fight for their future." This sentiment echoes the high expectations and significant responsibilities that come with the vice-presidential role.
