Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is rumored to be a top contender for Kamala Harris’s running mate. Republicans have immediately gone on the attack, however, and noted crime levels in the Great Lakes State and Whitmer’s record of supporting illegal immigrants.
Tudor Dixon, who ran against the Democratic Governor in 2022, said she has enabled “Joe Biden’s open border policies” by handing out cash to migrants and “risking the safety of our neighborhoods and communities.”
Police unions, however, are somewhat less critical and describe Whitmer’s approach to crime as “middle of the road.” Christopher Kierkus, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Michigan’s Grand Valley State University, gives a similar view and says Gretchen has made little difference to crime rates in the state.
While Gretchen Whitmer is considered a top candidate, she is joined by several other high-profile Democrats, including Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, Tim Walz, and Pete Buttigieg.
Journalists describe Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro as popular and charismatic, a candidate who could help Harris claim victory in the crucial swing state. Some caution, however, that his staunchly pro-Israel position could put the Harris campaign at odds with the sizeable pro-Palestinian faction of the Democratic Party.
Mark Kelly is an Arizona Senator representing another key state Harris will be keen to win. A former NASA astronaut, Kelly is married to Gabby Giffords, who was shot in 2011 while serving in the US House of Representatives.
Andy Beshear cuts an unusual figure as a Democrat Governor in the otherwise Republican-dominated state of Kentucky. Beshear is an outspoken critic of JD Vance, whom he calls a “phony” and a “fake.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is a seasoned Washington politician and is reportedly responsible for the Harris campaign’s new tactic of labeling Trump and Vance “weird.”
The last figure on a potential shortlist is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has accused JD Vance of hypocrisy and inconsistency and of saying whatever he needs to say to get closer to power. Indiana native Buttigieg was popular as a local Mayor, and analysts say he has efficiently handled some national transportation crises.