US President Joe Biden recently announced his intention to withdraw from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. Immediately after Biden’s endorsement, speculation has been rife about who will be Harris’ running mate, and Democrats have been pushing forward with names of candidates.
So far, Harris has only stated her intention to run for president, but has not said who her running mate would be.
Before the name of Harris’ running mate is announced, let’s take a look at some of the leading contenders.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Beshear, 46, is one of the front-runners, according to Politico. A veteran of Kentucky politics, he was elected governor in 2019 and re-elected in November.
After Biden’s announcement, he wrote to X, “His decision today could not have been easy, but it is in the best interest of our country and our party. I want to thank him for his leadership, his kindness, and his success as a President who has accomplished great things that matter.”
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
Up next is Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly, 60, has served in the Senate since 2020 and is a former NASA astronaut and Navy fighter pilot. Four years ago, he defeated incumbent Republican Martha McSally in a special election.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer (52 years old) has been the Governor of Michigan since 2019. Prior to that, she served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senator. Having won the 2022 gubernatorial election by a landslide with a margin of nearly 11 points in a battleground state, she is considered a strong candidate to succeed Gretchen Whitmer in the 2028 gubernatorial election.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom, 56, three years Harris’ junior, was San Francisco’s mayor when Harris was its district attorney. They were both elected to statewide office in 2010, with Harris as attorney general and Newsom as lieutenant governor.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro, 51, has been serving as governor since 2023. He is a former attorney general and has opposed Trump.