After President Joe Biden announced that he would suspend his reelection campaign, his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him has propelled her to being the most likely Democratic nominee. Now, the question is who her running mate will be.
Harris has a wide range of potential contenders from which to choose, and her decision will shape the direction of her campaign. She may decide to follow former President Barack Obama and find “her Biden,” a well-respected and well-established member of the political class, or she could take a risk and choose an up-and-coming voice.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY), Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC), and Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) would all provide comfort to moderate voters who may view Harris as too far to the left. The momentum today is easily behind Shapiro, as he would help carry the critical swing state of Pennsylvania and perhaps ensure a victory in that state’s Senate election between incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Republican challenger Dave McCormick.