As Vice President Kamala Harris officially announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, attention turned to the other prominent figures who came close to being selected. Among the final contenders were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, both of whom met with Harris and her team over the weekend in Washington, D.C.
When Governor Shapiro took the stage on Tuesday night in Philadelphia to address his constituents, he emphasized his dedication to his role. “I want you to know, every single day, I go to work for you,” Shapiro declared to enthusiastic applause. Despite his public show of commitment, Shapiro had been informed earlier that day that he would not be chosen as Harris’ running mate. His response to the announcement on social media reflected his dedication to his current role, expressing no regrets despite his initial candidacy.
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Shapiro, known for his popularity in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, was an early favorite. However, those close to the vetting process revealed that Shapiro had concerns about leaving his governor’s position, which he had only recently assumed. Additionally, Shapiro’s intense inquiries about the specifics of his potential role in Harris’ administration were perceived as overly ambitious, which may have influenced the decision.
In the shortened vetting period, the list of candidates was narrowed down to three who met with Harris: Shapiro, Walz, and Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly, who had been relatively new to elected office, had a notably positive interaction with Harris. After an hour-long meeting, he felt optimistic about his prospects, though Harris soon focused on Walz and Shapiro.
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Kelly’s unexpected emergence as a contender surprised many, with his team describing the opportunity as having “fallen out of the sky.” Despite his initial excitement, Kelly, known for his competitive nature, was not pleased to be passed over.
The final candidates, including Shapiro and Kelly, faced scrutiny during the vetting process. Shapiro, in particular, encountered criticism from progressives for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests and his stance on school vouchers. Additionally, a settlement related to a sexual assault complaint involving a former aide drew further controversy.
As Walz steps into the role of Harris’ running mate, the near-finalists reflect the rigorous and often challenging nature of the vice-presidential selection process.
