As Vice President Kamala Harris starts her 2024 presidential campaign following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, there’s a lot of buzz about who she might choose as her running mate if she wins the Democratic nomination.
ABC News’ chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl has shared his thoughts on potential vice presidential picks for Harris. Let’s look at some of the names that have come up.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been serving since 2018. She is a lawyer, educator, and former prosecutor. During her tenure, she has taken initiatives to ensure clean drinking water, end discrimination in state government, secure equal pay, and support small and disadvantaged businesses.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has been in office since 2023. He first made his mark in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2004 and later served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general. Shapiro became nationally recognized for his quick action in reopening the I-95 overpass after it collapsed in June 2023.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the state’s 75th governor, has been involved in public service since 1987. He has focused on job creation, improving public education, tackling the opioid crisis, and supporting rural communities. Cooper also served four terms as state attorney general.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy
Governor Phil Murphy has led New Jersey since 2018 and is the first Democratic governor in the state to serve a second term in 44 years. His priorities have included raising the minimum wage, expanding paid family leave, providing tuition-free public college education for qualifying students, and passing laws for gun safety and health care.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, currently serving his second term, emphasizes education and health care. He’s committed to protecting public education, supporting teachers, and expanding health care access. Under his leadership, Kentucky saw a significant decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2022.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland became the state’s first Black governor in 2022. He has a notable background, including serving as a U.S. Army captain and leading the Robin Hood Foundation, a major poverty-fighting organization. Moore has also been recognized for his work in pardoning cannabis-related convictions and securing federal funds for infrastructure improvements.
Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker
Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker is on his second term. Known for his progressive stance, Pritzker has enacted reforms in health care, labor rights, and climate change. He is also prioritizing criminal justice reform and mental health initiatives.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, in office since 2020, is a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut. Kelly is known for his support of military aid to Ukraine and Israel and his role on the Senate’s Armed Services Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.
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