Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, and Mark Kelly, senator from Arizona, have emerged as front-runners for the vice presidential nomination of the presumed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The two men are from important battleground states in the 2024 presidential race.
Past Wins
Both candidates have a history of winning against Donald Trump endorsed candidates at the polling booth.
According to a source close to the Harris For President campaign, which has recently changed its name, the screening of potential running mates has begun.
Other Candidates
In addition to Shapiro and Kelly, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are being considered as potential candidates.
A source familiar with the process, however, informed the outlet that the process is unlikely to be finished by August 7, when the virtual roll call is scheduled to end.
Shapiro Pros
Some might consider Shapiro to be a decent contender for the ticket, as another state general attorney general.
As governor of Pennsylvania, the 51-year-old is well-liked and has the support of many Republicans and Democrats.
Recent Crises
He defeated the ultra-MAGA Doug Mastriano, who Trump had backed, in 2022.
His handling of a number of crises, such as the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which borders Pennsylvania, and, more recently, the attempted assassination of President Trump at a rally in the town of Butler, has earned him high praise.
Win Against Trump
Shapiro’s focus on reducing criminal activity in Pennsylvania while serving as state attorney general has occasionally alarmed progressives in the same way that Harris’ track record as a prosecutor has.
Shapiro also won lawsuits against Trump when he sued Pennsylvania to challenge the results of the 2020 election.
Kelly’s Victories
US Senator Kelly is a 60-year-old former Navy combat pilot and astronaut.
He defeated Republican challenger Blake Masters, another Trump-backed ultra-MAGA who, like JD Vance, is a disciple of venture capitalist Peter Thiel, easily to win his seat in 2022.
Focus on Gun Violence
After his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was shot in the head and forced to retire in 2011, Kelly got involved in politics.
He has since become a vocal proponent of bringing an end to gun violence, which Harris will almost certainly prioritize.
Prolific Fundraiser
Additionally, the senator is a prolific fundraiser who, along with Harris, would have no trouble raising funds for the ticket.
Additionally, Kelly’s selection may indicate that Democrats are serious about keeping the West as a focus.
Border-State Senator
A border-state Democrat, Kelly could push back on reactions from conservatives that Trump would be better at dealing with immigration.
He has taken on the role of the late Senator John McCain as a fervent supporter of Ukraine as a veteran.
Contrasting Position
Kelly’s position contrasts with Vance’s opposition to supporting the nation in its fight against Putin’s aggression.
However, Democrats may want to keep him in the Senate due to his record in Arizona.
“Not Exhaustive”
What the two men have to offer Harris in her campaign each have significant advantages.
A source let ABC know that “the horse has left the barn,” concerning the determination of her running mate.
However the rundown of names for the pick for the ticket is presently “not exhaustive.”
