Kamala Harris to unveil vice presidential pick Tuesday

Vice-President Kamala Harris is set to announce her running mate by Tuesday, following a weekend of interviews with top contenders at her Washington, D.C., residence.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the announcement could come at any moment, just ahead of her first public appearance alongside the chosen nominee in Philadelphia. This marks the beginning of an ambitious cross-country tour targeting key battleground states that are critical for the upcoming election.

In her search for a running mate, Harris met with three leading candidates—Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro—during interviews held at her Naval Observatory residence on Sunday. Additionally, she had a 90-minute discussion with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Friday and conducted virtual meetings with other potential candidates, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Harris intensified her search for a running mate following President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of her candidacy. The choice of a vice presidential nominee is a pivotal decision for Harris, as she gears up to challenge former President Donald Trump in the November 5 election.

Notably, Harris’ shortlist comprises all white male candidates who have demonstrated success in appealing to rural, white, or independent voters—an essential consideration in the current political landscape. Over the weekend, she consulted with her vetting team, which includes former Attorney General Eric Holder, who provided thorough assessments of the candidates’ finances and backgrounds.

The final decision will be weighed alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, her brother-in-law Tony West, and a select group of aides and advisors. Candidates will be informed of their status either Monday night or Tuesday morning, according to sources.

In conjunction with the announcement of her running mate, the Harris campaign plans a social media reveal featuring the duo. Following this, Harris will embark on a tour covering seven cities in five days, including stops in Philadelphia, Eau Claire, Detroit, Durham, Savannah, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. The campaign aims to hold rallies at college campuses, historically Black universities, union halls, and restaurants in each location.

Meanwhile, Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance is also scheduled to make a campaign stop in South Philadelphia on Tuesday, further intensifying the political landscape ahead of the election.

Additionally, Harris’ campaign has launched a new initiative called “Republicans for Harris,” aimed at persuading Republican voters to support her candidacy. This program will kick off with events in battleground states such as Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania on Monday, featuring Republican surrogates who will collaborate with Harris and her yet-to-be-named running mate to enhance outreach efforts and media campaigns targeting Republican audiences.