Kamala Harris to Announce Running Mate Ahead of High-Stakes State Tour

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to tour battleground states with her chosen vice presidential candidate next week. The decision on her running mate, a hot topic since President Biden's exit from the election, will be announced soon. Potential candidates include notable governors and senators.

Vice President Kamala Harris will tour battleground states next week with her vice presidential candidate, two sources familiar with the planning said on Tuesday. This signals the nearing conclusion of the selection process for her running mate.

The high-stakes decision on who will run with Harris has been a focal point since she became the Democratic frontrunner for the Nov. 5 election following President Joe Biden's recent exit from the race. Harris is expected to announce her pick before the state tour, according to one source, though her campaign has yet to comment.

Several candidates are under consideration, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Recent dropouts from the sweepstakes include North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Historically pivotal states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are in focus.

Normally, campaigns select their vice-presidential picks months after the primary race ends, allowing ample time for vetting. Harris, however, faces an Aug. 7 deadline imposed by the Democratic National Committee. The selection process, led by former Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., is on an expedited timeline.

Holder is vetting the candidates through his law firm, Covington & Burling. The contenders are actively auditioning by making public appearances and campaign stops. Josh Shapiro delivered a spirited endorsement of Harris on Monday, while Tim Walz pushed new criticisms of Trump and his running mate during a speech on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)