Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has significantly narrowed her search for a vice presidential running mate to two finalists: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
This development comes from three sources familiar with the matter, who disclosed the information on Monday.
Harris, currently serving as the U.S. Vice President, is anticipated to announce her choice by Tuesday.
The announcement is expected ahead of her first scheduled public appearance with her selected running mate at Temple University in Philadelphia in the evening.
While it remains uncertain if a final decision has been made, the upcoming rally will mark the beginning of a five-day, seven-city tour across crucial battleground states that are likely to be pivotal in the November 5th election.
Initial speculation had included six potential candidates—four governors, a senator, and a cabinet secretary from the Biden administration.
However, Harris concluded her search after interviewing three top candidates—Walz, Shapiro, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona—at her Naval Observatory residence on Sunday, the sources noted.
On Sunday night, Senator Kelly stirred the waters by posting on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Now, my mission is serving Arizonans,” which many interpreted as a withdrawal from the running mate race.
Supporting the water future of states like Arizona means preparing for and responding to drought conditions.
Our bipartisan legislation will expedite critical Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure and flood control projects in Arizona. https://t.co/dVniNDAMxJ
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) August 2, 2024
He later deleted the post and replaced it with, “I’ve learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call.
The selected candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning, according to the sources.
The Harris campaign has plans for a social media announcement featuring the chosen duo, campaign officials familiar with the arrangements told Reuters.
The Vice President also met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday and had been conducting virtual meetings with other candidates, the sources revealed.
Harris’ intensive search for a running mate began in earnest two weeks ago, shortly after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her as his successor.
Despite Monday’s market selloff, there were no immediate indications that it would affect the timing of Harris’ announcement.
Selecting a running mate is a critical decision in Harris’ political career as she rapidly organizes a campaign to challenge Republican nominee Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, U.S. Senator JD Vance, in the upcoming election.
Notably, Vance is also scheduled to make a campaign stop in South Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Harris is making her decision with input from her husband, Doug Emhoff, her brother-in-law Tony West, and a small group of trusted aides and advisers, the sources confirmed.
