Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate on Tuesday, just before embarking on a five-day tour of key battleground states, ahead of the presidential election in three months.
Since stepping in for Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, Harris has rapidly gained momentum, setting fundraising records and narrowing the gap with Republican contender Donald Trump.
Speculation is rife about who will join Harris on the ticket. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, is currently the frontrunner, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also in contention. Other potential candidates include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Harris and her vice-presidential pick are set to kick off their campaign tour with a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia, followed by visits to Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. Scheduled stops in North Carolina and Georgia may be postponed due to a tropical storm affecting the southeastern states.
Shapiro, who could become the first Jewish vice president, is widely popular in Pennsylvania, a crucial state for both parties. However, his stance on Israel has sparked controversy among some leftist groups, raising concerns about potential backlash at the Democratic National Convention.
Meanwhile, Walz, known for his effective communication and criticism of Trump, could bring a Midwestern perspective to the ticket. The race remains tight, with recent polls showing Harris maintaining a slight lead over Trump. However, political experts warn that both sides face a challenging battle ahead.
