Kamala Harris Edges Closer to VP Running Mate Decision Amid Scrutiny

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to select her running mate from a shortlist that includes Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The decision, expected by Monday, is crucial as Harris campaigns to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.

Vice President Kamala Harris will interview three top candidates - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro - at her Washington, D.C., residence on Sunday ahead of a final decision on her running mate. Harris is expected to announce her choice as early as Monday, preceding her first public appearance with the vice presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Reuters was the first to report. The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement featuring the duo, officials familiar with the arrangements told Reuters.

Harris met with her vetting team on Saturday, including former attorney general Eric Holder, whose law firm Covington & Burling LLP scrutinized the finances and background of potential running mates. Holder and his office made in-depth presentations on each of the finalists, according to sources familiar with the process. She met Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday and is also meeting candidates virtually, the sources said. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker are the other candidates in contention for the job.

The candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning whether they were picked, the sources said. The choice of a running mate is one of the most consequential decisions of Harris' political career, as she swiftly mobilizes a campaign to challenge Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election after President Joe Biden exited the race last month. Her shortlist includes all white men with records of winning over rural, white, or independent voters. Harris' decision also influences the future direction of the Democratic Party, elevating the chosen candidate to the forefront of future presidential contests.

(With inputs from agencies.)