US Vice-President Kamala Harris is anticipated to reveal her chosen running mate by Tuesday, following interviews with leading candidates conducted at her Washington residence over the weekend, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
Harris's selection could be disclosed at any moment before her inaugural joint appearance with the vice-presidential nominee in Philadelphia on Tuesday, prior to embarking on a nationwide campaign tour across key battleground states that are expected to influence the election outcome, the sources indicated.
The Vice-President concluded her candidate evaluations by interviewing three prominent contenders—Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, US Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro—at her Naval Observatory home in Washington on Sunday, the sources detailed.
Harris engaged in a 90-minute discussion with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Friday and also held virtual meetings with other potential candidates, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the sources noted.
Harris's quest for a running mate commenced in earnest just two weeks ago, shortly after President Joe Biden stepped back from the race and endorsed her as his successor. This decision is pivotal in Harris's political journey as she rapidly assembles a campaign to confront Donald Trump in the November 5 election.
Harris's shortlist comprises exclusively white men known for their ability to win over rural, white, or independent voters. Over the weekend, Harris consulted with her vetting team, which included former Attorney General Eric Holder, whose law firm, Covington & Burling LLP, conducted thorough financial and background checks on potential running mates.
Holder and his team provided comprehensive presentations on each of the finalists, according to multiple sources privy to the process. Harris is deliberating the choice alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, her brother-in-law Tony West, and a select group of advisors.
Candidates will be notified of their selection status on Monday night or Tuesday morning, the sources added. The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement featuring the duo, as informed by campaign officials to Reuters.
During their tour of battleground states, Harris and her newly chosen running mate will visit seven cities over five days, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Durham, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Las Vegas, Nevada, according to a campaign official who requested anonymity.
They will conduct rallies at each stop, which will encompass college campuses, historically Black universities, union halls, and restaurants, the official stated. Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance is also scheduled to campaign in South Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, the Harris campaign initiated a program aimed at winning over Republican voters, highlighting endorsements from Republicans such as former Trump White House officials Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye. The program, titled 'Republicans for Harris,' will launch events in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania on Monday, with Republican surrogates participating in events led by Harris and her yet-to-be-named running mate, combining grassroots organizing efforts with paid media to target Republican voters.
