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Following President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race, and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his choice for the Democratic nominee, one of the next big questions that’s emerged is who could potentially be her running mate. Though Harris is not the nominee yet, Biden’s backing gives her a significant boost ahead of other potential contenders, fueling speculation about who else could join the ticket.
Historically, vice presidents have been selected to complement the main candidate. Biden chose Harris because she would bring youth, diversity, and legal experience. And former President Donald Trump chose Vice President Mike Pence because he was a traditional conservative and offered legislative expertise that he didn’t have.
What might Harris look for? Based on that history, there are a few guesses: Her pick could be someone from a purple or red state, who offers geographic diversity given her roots in California. And — to assuage voters who still hold sexist or racist attitudes, as President Barack Obama did with Biden in 2008 — it might be a white man.
Below is a rundown of some of the possible candidates who might be considered — and what they’d bring to the ticket.
Gov. Roy Cooper
Who is he? Cooper, 67, is the governor of North Carolina, a battleground state that Trump won narrowly in 2020 and 2016 that offers 16 electoral votes (of the 270 needed to win). He’s known for winning repeatedly statewide even as other Democratic candidates have struggled to do the same for roles like the Senate.
As governor, he’s also vetoed Republican bills on abortion and guns, and has strong approval ratings overall. Prior to becoming governor, he served as the state’s attorney general and in the state legislature.
What’s the case for him? Cooper could help improve Democrats’ chances in a battleground state, though it will still likely be an uphill battle given past contests in North Carolina. He’s also been pretty popular in his role, and has secured backing from some moderates and Republicans.
He previously collaborated with Harris while they each served as their states’ AG, meaning they have experience working alongside one another. And more recently, Harris and Cooper have campaigned together in the wake of Biden’s disastrous June debate, during which the governor cautioned against the return of “Donald Trump’s America.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro
Who is he? Shapiro, 51, is the governor of Pennsylvania, another likely battleground state (with 19 Electoral College votes), which Biden won in 2020 and which former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lost in 2016.
He was elected in 2022, the same year that freshman Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was elected to the Senate. Shapiro ran far ahead of Fetterman, winning 57 percent of the vote, to Fetterman’s 51 percent. Shapiro has established himself as a moderate who helped negotiate bipartisan deals when he was in the state legislature, and is also known for his work as attorney general, when he secured settlements for victims of sexual abuse by the Catholic Diocese. He’s also been a vocal supporter of Israel amid the country’s devastating military offensive in Gaza, following Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack.
What’s the case for him? Like Cooper, he’s the popular Democratic governor of a swing state and could help the party improve their chances there. He’s also seen as more of a centrist who could appeal to moderate voters and independents, though his staunch backing of Israel could turn away progressive Democrats.
Gov. Andy Beshear
Who is he? Beshear, 46, is the governor of Kentucky, and has won twice in a red state that previously overwhelmingly voted for Trump.
As governor, he’s been praised for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as multiple crises in the state, including a mass shooting at a bank and severe flooding. Prior to this role, he also served as Kentucky’s attorney general.
What’s the case for him? Beshear is the rare Democrat who has been able to win multiple times in a red state, and could offer additional appeal to some swing voters. In addition to the support he’s received for his leadership during various crises, he’s also touted infrastructure and private sector investment in the state during his tenure.
Unlike other possibilities, though, he probably wouldn’t increase Harris’s chances of winning his home state, which is solidly GOP.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Who is he? J.B. Pritzker, 59, is the governor of Illinois, a Democratic state that Biden and Clinton both won in 2020 and 2016. Before becoming governor, he was a businessman and philanthropist, and is a scion of the family behind Hyatt hotels, who’ve also been consistent and influential Democratic donors.
As governor, Pritzker has established a modest national profile, including remarks he’s given attacking Trump and calls he’s made for more federal resources to address immigration in Illinois.
What’s the case for him? Pritzker has already built some name recognition as a fixture on cable news, and has proven to be a vocal Trump antagonist. Pritzker’s personal wealth could also potentially be a boon to the campaign, though his own state is not a battleground that would expand the Democratic map.
Sen. Mark Kelly
Who is he? Kelly is the junior senator of Arizona — a swing state with 11 Electoral College votes — who was elected in 2020 by framing himself as a candidate willing to work across the aisle. Previously, Biden won Arizona in 2020, while Clinton lost the state in 2016. Kelly is also known for his career as an astronaut alongside his twin brother Scott Kelly, and as the husband of gun control advocate and former US Rep. Gabby Giffords.
What’s the case for him? Kelly has a higher profile than some of the other names on this list, and is respected both for his scientific expertise and contributions as an astronaut in addition to his time in the Senate. He’s been a prominent gun control advocate alongside Giffords and made pushing these policies a priority.
Given his efforts to appeal to both Republicans and independents in Arizona, he’d be another option who could help with trying to reach those voters. Arizona also continues to be an important battleground this time around, including in its Senate race.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Who is she? Whitmer, 52, is the governor of Michigan, a key swing state with 15 Electoral College votes that Biden won in 2020 and that Clinton lost in 2016.
She’s been a popular leader in this role, and was initially known for how much she emphasized infrastructure and “fixing the damn roads.” Since then she’s been an outspoken advocate for abortion rights, and for gender equity, speaking openly about how she was sexually assaulted in college. Prior to being governor, Whitmer was a member of the state legislature and the first woman to become the Democratic leader of the state Senate.
What’s the case for her? She’s among the members of the list who have strong and positive national recognition, and who could help raise Democrats’ chances in a pivotal swing state. Whitmer has also focused on issues including infrastructure and health care, which could broaden Democrats’ appeal to moderate voters. And if Harris and Whitmer were on the same ticket, they would form a groundbreaking all-woman ticket — something that neither major party has run before.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Who is he? Buttigieg, 42, is the secretary of Transportation who rose to prominence as a former 2020 presidential candidate. He’s staked out more moderate positions, and was previously mayor of South Bend, Indiana.
He’s become known for his media savvy and strong television appearances as an advocate for the Biden-Harris administration. He’s also had to respond to crises including the train accident and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, as well as the Alaska Airlines mishap when a door plug dropped out of a plane.
What’s the case for him? Buttigieg has been a strong spokesperson for the Biden-Harris White House and is well-established among the Democratic electorate. He’s among the youngest of possible choices, would contribute more representation from the Midwest, and could appeal to centrist voters. He’d also become the first openly LGBTQ person to be on a presidential ticket.
Gov. Gavin Newsom
Who is he? Newsom, 56, is the governor of California, and a longstanding political personality. He’s been a vocal advocate for more progressive policies, and for Democrats to more directly confront Republicans.
Prior to being governor, he was also lieutenant governor and mayor of San Francisco.
What’s the case for him? Newsom has already made clear that he wants to be a fighter for Democrats and has supporters who are interested in his approach. He’s also used opportunities like a debate against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to make some splashy points for the party and to get more attention, and could do the same for a possible campaign.
As governor of California, however, he wouldn’t bring additional geographic diversity to the ticket, and he also wouldn’t help with delivering a swing state, as his own is solidly Democratic.
Correction, July 21, 2024, 11:59 pm ET: A previous version of this story misstated Gabby Giffords’s position on guns. She is a gun control advocate.
