Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up to announce her running mate by Tuesday, just in time for a major rally in Philadelphia. This rally will kick off a whirlwind tour across seven key swing states in just four days, including stops in western Wisconsin, Detroit, Raleigh, Savannah, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. This marks the first big campaign push since Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after President Joe Biden unexpectedly exited the race.
The campaign’s decision to start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is fueling speculation about Harris’ choice for VP. Among the frontrunners is Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s governor. If picked, Philadelphia would be a fitting launchpad for the announcement, given Shapiro’s local roots and the city’s diverse electorate, crucial for winning the state’s 19 electoral votes. However, a Harris campaign aide warned against jumping to conclusions based solely on the tour’s starting point.
Harris has not yet finalized her decision, with potential picks including Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Shapiro, who has been actively campaigning for Harris, recently appeared at a rally with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other events, leading some to believe he’s positioning himself for the VP slot.
Harris’ decision to launch her tour in Pennsylvania’s largest city is stirring speculation about her choice for vice president. Among the top contenders being considered by Harris’ team is Josh Shapiro, the state’s governor. If Shapiro is selected, Philadelphia would be a fitting backdrop for the announcement, given his roots in the city’s suburbs. The city is also a diverse, vote-rich area crucial for securing Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes. However, a Harris campaign aide advised against reading too much into the choice of the first tour stop.
Harris has yet to finalize her pick for the No. 2 spot. When asked by reporters on Tuesday if she had made a decision, she responded, “not yet.” Harris is expected to interview potential vice-presidential nominees in the coming days, according to sources familiar with the vetting process. Other names in consideration include Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Shapiro, who confirmed he hasn’t spoken with Harris since July 21—the day Biden withdrew—has been actively campaigning for her across Pennsylvania. His recent activities, including headlining a rally with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, promoting the IRS’ free tax filing program with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and speaking at a Harris endorsement event with building trades unions, suggest he may be positioning himself for the VP role.
