Kamala Harris is poised to announce her vice-presidential pick on Tuesday, just as she embarks on a crucial five-day tour through key battleground states ahead of the presidential election.
Since taking over the Democratic ticket from Joe Biden, Harris has quickly gained momentum, shattering fundraising records and closing the gap on Republican rival Donald Trump.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is currently the leading candidate for Harris’s running mate, competing with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and others, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Harris is expected to reveal her choice in a video announcement soon.
As Harris prepares for her campaign trail, she’s keeping her running mate decision under wraps, telling supporters, “I have not made my decision yet,” in a text message.
Harris, along with her future vice-presidential pick, will kick off their tour with a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Their journey will take them to Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, Arizona on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday. Plans for additional stops in North Carolina and Georgia have been postponed due to a tropical storm affecting southeastern states.
Shapiro, 51, is highly popular in Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state—and his selection could strengthen Harris’s ticket. If chosen, he would be the first Jewish vice president, adding to the diversity of a ticket already historic for its potential first female president. However, Shapiro’s stance on Israel and handling of pro-Palestinian protests have stirred controversy, particularly among some progressive voters.
Walz, 60, a former National Guard officer known for his folksy charm, could offer a Midwestern perspective but is considered more liberal. He has recently gained attention for his strong criticisms of Trump.
Other potential candidates include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Harris’s search for a running mate began after Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, amid concerns about his popularity and age. Since then, Harris’s rise in the polls has been notable, with some recent surveys showing her ahead of Trump nationally. However, a new CBS News poll indicates she still lags behind Biden’s previous support among Black voters, suggesting a tight race ahead.
Political strategist David Axelrod cautioned that despite Harris’s momentum, the race remains highly competitive. “This is going to be a hard fight for either side,” he told The Hill.
