All eyes are on Vice President Kamala Harris after President Biden’s Beltway-shaking decision to drop out of the 2024 race — as speculation runs wild over whom she would tap as a running mate if she snags the nomination.
Harris quickly emerged as the front-runner to replace Biden as the Democratic Party’s standard bearer but has not dropped any major hints about whom she’d like to have as a running mate.
Given the rushed circumstances of the decision, she will have very little time to vet them and ensure that they’d work well together.
But with an intraparty scramble, it would appear likely that she’d tap into the pool of big names who have already generated presidential buzz, rather than a lesser-known figure.
Here are 10 people she could choose from:
Pete Buttigieg
Like Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg vied in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Widely regarded as a breakout star, he dropped out of that contest much later in the process than Harris.
Biden had heaped praise on him and he has earned a reputation for his sharp oratory skills.
Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has long generated presidential buzz, with speculation rampant that he was lining up a run.
But there would be one big catch to that.
Both Newsom and Harris hail from the Golden State, and under the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, both members of a presidential ticket “shall not be an inhabitant of the same state” if they want to receive electoral votes from that state.
With a monster 54 electoral votes, ceding California would be far too risky. Either Harris or Newsom would have to move. This is similar to the hurdle former President Donald Trump would’ve faced if he’d tapped Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
The latest on President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- Biden drops out of presidential race after Democratic revolt following disastrous debate: ‘Best interest of the country’
- Biden drops out of presidential race: live updates
- Trump slams Biden as ‘worst president in history’ after incumbent drops re-election bid
- Biden offers ‘full endorsement’ of Kamala Harris as 2024 Democratic nominee after dropping out
- A look back at Biden’s more than 50-year career in politics
Andy Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear enjoys the rare distinction of being a Democratic governor in a ruby-red state. Amid the mutiny against Biden, Beshear’s name had been tossed around.
The thinking is that he would be extremely formidable in a general election due to his ability to win in Kentucky. He just won re-election last year.
Gretchen Whitmer
While she publicly swatted away rumors that she could replace Biden at the top of the ticket, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said nothing about serving as VP.
Hailing from a battleground state, Whitmer could be a significant boost for Democrats who see it as paramount to their odds of prevailing in the presidential contest.
JB Pritzker
If money is a concern, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has more than enough to make a serious bid. Heir to the family wealth from the Hyatt hotel chain, Pritzker has dumped tens of millions of dollars to ensure his own electoral success.
Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sailed to the governor’s office after the 2022 midterm elections. And in the time since, he’s enjoyed remarkably high approval ratings.
As governor, he oversaw the rapid rebuilding of Interstate 95 after a bridge collapse last year. He also hails from a critical battleground state.
Roy Cooper
Unlike the other battleground state governors floated as potential picks, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is set to depart his office soon due to term limits.
North Carolina is generally among the top seven battleground states, though it typically gets a little less attention than its six peers.
Given his forthcoming departure and history of defeating Republicans, he could be an attractive option for Harris.
What to know about President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race:
- President Biden announced Sunday he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race — after weeks of prominent Democrats and donors calling on him to withdraw following his disastrous performance in the first presidential debate.
- In a letter posted on X Sunday afternoon, Biden admitted that it is in the “best interest of my party and country” for him to step down as the Democratic nominee.
- Biden wrote that he intends to serve out the remainder of his term and will address the country on his decision later this week.
- In a follow-up X post, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the suddenly open Democratic nomination. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” the president wrote.
- Former President Donald Trump reacted to the news by labeling Biden the “worst president in the history of our country” in a call with CNN.
Wes Moore
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was thrust into the national spotlight after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed back in March and his name has been floated around for presidential buzz ever since.
Moore is newer to the governorship, having been sworn into office last year.
Elizabeth Warren
If Harris wanted to electrify her progressive base ahead of the election, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) could be the way to go.
Warren was another competitor in the 2020 primary and is widely regarded as one of the most outspoken progressives in the Senate.
Amy Klobuchar
Another option is Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who also competed in the 2020 primary. Klobuchar did make it further than Harris and competed for the more moderate lane of the party.
At times, she was willing to say no to things like calls for massive student loan forgiveness, which could make her more appealing to moderate voters.