Kamala Harris is set to announce her choice for a running mate today, August 6.
This comes ahead of her planned tour through some of the most critical battleground states in the country, with only three months remaining until the United States presidential election.
The U.S. Vice President’s campaign has gained remarkable momentum, achieving record-breaking fundraising and diminishing the advantages previously held by her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, since she received a thumbs up to be the presidential flagbearer for the Democratic party from Joe Biden.
Among the potential candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, recognized as a rising figure within the Democratic Party, is viewed as the frontrunner to accompany Harris on the ticket, competing against several other state governors, a U.S. senator, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Reports from U.S. media on Monday indicated that Harris has narrowed her options for this pivotal decision to Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with an announcement expected to be made via video.
As the countdown to their tour of swing states continues, Harris has kept her supporters in suspense regarding her choice of running mate, stating in a text message on Monday evening, “I have not made my decision yet.”
On Tuesday, Harris, aged 59, along with her newly selected deputy, will host a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia before proceeding to Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, followed by Arizona on Friday and Nevada on Saturday.
She had also planned to conduct events in battlegrounds North Carolina on Thursday and Georgia on Friday; however, local media sources indicated that a tropical storm impacting southeastern states necessitated their postponement. The Harris campaign did not provide a response to inquiries regarding further details.
Shapiro enjoys significant popularity in Pennsylvania, which is the largest among the six or seven swing states that have influenced recent U.S. elections. His presence is perceived as advantageous for Harris in a region deemed essential for both Democrats and Republicans.
At 51 years of age, he stands the chance to become the first Jewish vice president in the nation’s history, contributing to the diversity of a ticket that would also feature the first woman ever to occupy the Oval Office.
Nonetheless, his support for Israel and his approach to pro-Palestinian protests have incited a backlash from the left, prompting Democrats to be vigilant in ensuring that their mid-August convention in Chicago remains free from disruptions by progressive and anti-Israel activists.