In the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, influential South Carolina Democrat Representative Jim Clyburn has outlined three potential running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris is now the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Biden’s decision came after a challenging debate performance last month that raised concerns about his ability to compete against Donald Trump in November.
Biden endorsed Harris and urged Democrats to rally behind her, leading to swift endorsements from key political organizations and caucus leaders.
Clyburn, credited with bolstering Biden’s 2020 victory, appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° on Sunday night, emphasizing his support for Harris and her prospects against Trump.
“I’ve been saying now for several weeks that if for any reason, President Biden were to decide not to run, I thought that Vice President Harris should be our choice and that’s who I would be supporting,” Clyburn stated.
Clyburn highlighted three governors as strong candidates for Harris’s running mate: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro, a rising political figure, is currently serving his second year as Pennsylvania’s governor after defeating Trump-endorsed Doug Mastriano in 2022.
Shapiro has a background as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General and a state representative. Clyburn noted Shapiro’s endorsement by independent Senator Joe Manchin, signaling broad appeal within the party.
Andy Beshear
Andy Beshear, the Kentucky governor, has a track record of winning tough elections in a predominantly Republican state. He has defeated Trump-backed opponents in both 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial races.
Clyburn acknowledged Beshear’s successful governance despite being less familiar with him personally.
Roy Cooper
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has won six statewide elections over two decades, maintaining strong approval ratings and overseeing a robust economy.
Clyburn suggested Cooper’s presence on the ticket could help Democrats secure North Carolina’s 15 electoral votes, a state Trump carried in 2016 and 2020.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Harris will undergo a vetting process to select her running mate. Clyburn expressed confidence in Harris’s decision-making and pledged his support for her chosen candidate.
