In a surprising twist, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination. Harris, a woman of Black and South Asian descent, could make history as the first woman of color to lead a major-party ticket. Now, the focus shifts to who Harris will choose as her running mate, with potential candidates under consideration to unify the party and appeal to swing voters.
Among the contenders are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, known for his successful gubernatorial race in a swing state, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a gun control advocate, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a rising star in the party. Other options include North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.