Who can be Kamala Harris’ V-P if she wins party nomination? Top names include Beshear, Buttigieg

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WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden’s decision on July 21 to

drop his re-election bid and endorse US Vice-President Kamala Harris

to replace him as the Democratic candidate leaves Ms Harris with a major, immediate decision: whom to pick as her running mate.

These are some of the top people being discussed, provided they don’t seek the presidential nomination themselves, according to people familiar with internal policy discussions.

Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has carved a successful political career in a heavily Republican state that voted for Republican Donald Trump by a margin of more than 25 percentage points in 2020.

Mr Beshear has touted his record of bringing jobs to Kentucky, supporting public education and expanding healthcare access. As governor, he has vetoed legislation banning abortions and gender-affirming care for transgender youth, although the vetoes were overridden by the Republican-dominated legislature.

Pete Buttigieg, US secretary of transportation

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg built a strong fan base among Democratic Party voters during his 2020 primary run against both Mr Biden and Ms Harris, winning the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus.

Seen as a polished defender of Biden policies, Mr Buttigieg later endorsed Mr Biden and was picked to join the incoming administration’s Cabinet in 2021. The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor also has deep ties in Michigan, a critical state for Democrats in November.

Roy Cooper, governor of North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has won praise from Democrats for his strong focus on economic development and his ability to win relatively strong approval ratings in a politically competitive state that leans Republican and voted for Republican candidate Trump in both 2016 and 2020.

Mark Kelly, senator of Arizona

Arizona’s Senator Mark Kelly is well-liked among Democratic Party elites for striking a relatively moderate tone in a hotly contested state that traditionally has favoured Republicans, but which Mr Biden won in 2020. A former US Navy captain and astronaut, Mr Kelly is also the husband of former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously wounded in a 2011 shooting. Gun violence is a major campaign issue for Democrats.

Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took office only in 2023 but is already seen as a rising star for the Democratic party nationally.

Trained as a lawyer, Mr Shapiro served as the state’s attorney-general, a legal background that is similar to Ms Harris’ own as a prosecutor. He has a long history of winning elections against Republicans in a state that Democrats believe they must win to secure the election in November.

J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois 

Billionaire Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has proven to be a major force in the Democratic party, tapping his own financial resources linked to Hyatt Hotels back then to help Mr Biden’s campaign effort. He had also championed Chicago’s bid for the Democratic National Convention. While Illinois leans heavily Democratic, neighbouring Wisconsin is one of the biggest prizes in the 2024 election.

Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has built a strong base in the closely contested state of Michigan, running on a platform of straight talk and kitchen-table issues. She attracted Mr Biden’s attention in 2020, being vetted as a possible running mate before he picked Ms Harris. She was a top supporter of and spokeswoman for his re-election bid.

A Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-woman ticket for a major US political party – a potential bonus in an election where women’s reproductive rights are a top issue. REUTERS