With President Biden's withdrawal from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the likely Democratic nominee for president in 2024, igniting speculation about who she may choose as her running mate. Here are 10 potential candidates that have been mentioned in the past 24 hours.
Andy Beshear, 46, has made a name for himself in the deeply red state of Kentucky, winning election as attorney general in 2015 and governor in 2019. Despite the state's Republican leanings, Beshear was re-elected in 2023 by a comfortable five-point margin, showcasing his ability to cross party lines and appeal to a diverse electorate.
Former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg, 42, emerged as a top contender in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and has since served as Transportation Secretary under President Biden. As a Rhodes scholar and former Afghanistan veteran, Buttigieg brings a unique blend of qualifications and perspectives to the table.
Democrats Rally Behind Harris for 2024 Nomination, Speculation Swirls over Running Mates
Roy Cooper, 67, has been a prominent figure in North Carolina politics, serving as attorney general for 16 years before being elected governor in 2016. He was re-elected in 2020 despite Trump carrying the state in both presidential elections, demonstrating his ability to win in a competitive environment.
Mark Kelly, 60, is a former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut who represents Arizona in the Senate. He won a special election in 2020 to succeed the late Sen. John McCain and was easily re-elected in 2022. Kelly's unique background and appeal in a swing state make him a potential asset on the ticket.
Democrats Rally Behind Harris for 2024 Nomination, Speculation Swirls over Running Mates
Wes Moore, 45, is a first-term governor of Maryland who has quickly gained recognition as a rising star in the Democratic Party. A former Army combat veteran and Rhodes scholar, Moore made history as the third Black American to be elected governor in the U.S. in 2022.
Gavin Newsom, 56, is one of the most high-profile Democratic governors in the country. A former San Francisco mayor and California lieutenant governor, Newsom has built a reputation as a progressive leader who has clashed with the Trump administration on various issues.
Democrats Rally Behind Harris for 2024 Nomination, Speculation Swirls over Running Mates
JB Pritzker, 59, is a billionaire and the current governor of Illinois. He is known for his outspoken criticism of Trump and has been a vocal surrogate for Biden. Pritzker's vast wealth and ability to self-fund his campaigns could prove advantageous to the Democratic ticket.
Josh Shapiro, 51, is in his first term as governor of Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. As a former attorney general, Shapiro has established a strong track record in fighting for reproductive rights and enacting progressive policies.
Democrats Rally Behind Harris for 2024 Nomination, Speculation Swirls over Running Mates
Tim Walz, 60, is the current governor of Minnesota, a state that has been trending Democratic in recent elections. A former teacher and state representative, Walz has overseen several significant policy victories, including legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding healthcare access.
Gretchen Whitmer, 52, is another swing state governor who has garnered attention for her opposition to Trump. A former prosecutor and state legislator, Whitmer is considered a strong campaigner and has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate in the past.
Democrats Rally Behind Harris for 2024 Nomination, Speculation Swirls over Running Mates
