Tucson — Vice President Kamala Harris has embarked on a comprehensive process to select her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, her campaign manager revealed in an exclusive interview with CBS News on Friday in Arizona.
Julie Chávez Rodríguez, the campaign manager, highlighted the significance of this decision, describing it as one of the most critical choices Harris will make as a presidential candidate. While Harris has not yet narrowed her list of potential vice presidential nominees, the campaign is enthusiastic about the thoroughness of the process.
The campaign is currently evaluating approximately a dozen potential candidates, including Democratic Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
When asked about Kelly’s candidacy, Chávez Rodríguez declined to comment specifically, but acknowledged the importance of the decision. Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy pilot, could be a noteworthy choice due to his moderate stance and representation of a crucial battleground state.
The Harris campaign plans to finalize the selection by August 7. Chávez Rodríguez also noted that Arizona, a key state in the upcoming election, could be pivotal for Harris. The campaign believes that Harris’s strong appeal to key demographics in Arizona, including young people, Latinos, women, and Native Americans, will be instrumental in the election.
Reproductive rights, a major issue on the Arizona ballot, is expected to play a significant role, with Harris having been a prominent advocate for these rights.
News Editor