Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is poised to make a pivotal decision in her campaign by naming her vice-presidential running mate. According to sources familiar with the matter, Harris has narrowed her search to two finalists: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as reported by Reuters. The announcement is expected to be made by Tuesday, ahead of a scheduled rally at Temple University in Philadelphia.
In a message to her supporters late on Monday, Harris emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, "I know many of you are eager to find out who I will be selecting to join me on the campaign trail, and hopefully in the White House, as my Vice President. Though I have not made my decision yet, it is important to me that grassroots supporters - like you - have direct updates about the state of the race."
The selection of a running mate is a crucial step for Harris as she builds her campaign to challenge Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his vice-presidential pick, U.S. Senator JD Vance, in the upcoming November 5 election. The Harris campaign has strategically timed the announcement to maximize impact, with the first public appearance alongside her chosen running mate set for Tuesday evening in Philadelphia.
Josh Shapiro, 51, is a rising star within the Democratic Party and holds strong approval ratings in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state with 19 electoral votes. A former state attorney general, Shapiro's selection would be historically significant, potentially making him the first Jewish vice president of the United States. However, his strong support for Israel may alienate some progressive voters, though it could appeal to moderates and counter Republican efforts to use the Israel-Gaza conflict as a wedge issue.
On the other hand, Tim Walz, 60, brings a different set of credentials. A former U.S. Army National Guard member and teacher, Walz has proven his appeal to rural, white voters, a demographic crucial for winning swing states. His progressive policies as governor, including free school meals and expanded paid worker leave, align with Harris' platform. Despite representing a solidly Democratic state, Walz's proximity to key battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan makes him a strategic choice.
The decision-making process has been thorough and involved extensive vetting. Over the weekend, Harris met with her vetting team, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, whose law firm Covington & Burling LLP scrutinized the finances and backgrounds of potential running mates. Harris is weighing the decision with input from her husband, Doug Emhoff, her brother-in-law Tony West, and a small circle of aides and advisers.
The announcement will be followed by a five-day, multiple-city tour of battleground states likely to decide the election. The tour will include stops in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Durham, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The campaign has also launched a program to persuade Republican voters to support Harris, showcasing endorsements from former Trump White House officials Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye.
Shapiro and Walz were among six finalists considered for the vice-presidential slot, alongside U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The finalists will be informed of Harris' decision by Monday night or Tuesday morning.
The timing of Harris' announcement comes amid a volatile period for the stock market. Despite a market selloff on Monday, there was no immediate indication that it would impact the timing of the announcement. Trump, seeking to capitalize on the downturn, referred to the situation as the "Kamala crash" in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, set to kick off in Chicago on August 19, Harris' selection of a running mate will be a defining moment for her campaign. The chosen candidate will need to complement Harris' strengths, appeal to crucial voter demographics, and demonstrate loyalty to her vision for the presidency.
