"Top Contenders for Kamala Harris' VP: Shapiro, Cooper, Kelly, and More"

With President Joe Biden's endorsement paving the way, Kamala Harris has quickly become the front-runner for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. This endorsement triggered a cascade of support from numerous prominent Democrats.

Harris promptly secured endorsements from many Democratic leaders and inherited the substantial resources of the Biden campaign's war chest.

Now, the conversation is swiftly turning to who will be Harris' running mate.

Here are some potential candidates:

Josh Shapiro: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, elected in a landslide in 2022, defeated a far-right state senator who denied the 2020 election results. He is the third Jewish governor elected in this key swing state.

Roy Cooper: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who governs a crucial battleground state, was first elected in 2016 by a narrow margin of just over 10,000 votes. He won reelection in 2020 and is term-limited. Cooper endorsed Harris on Sunday, praising her ability to "defeat Donald Trump and lead our country with integrity."

Mark Kelly: Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, representing a state Biden narrowly won in 2020, has national recognition as a former astronaut and the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords.

Andy Beshear: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who recently won reelection in a deeply conservative state that Trump carried by about 25 points in 2020, is seen as a potential VP candidate. He made abortion a central issue in his campaign.

J.B. Pritzker: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, was first elected in 2018 and comfortably reelected in 2022. Pritzker, who endorsed Harris on Monday, has tackled key issues such as gun control and reproductive rights.

Pete Buttigieg: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who positioned himself as a centrist during his 2020 presidential campaign, highlighted his experience as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and his military service in Afghanistan. His historic run also made him the first Senate-confirmed out LGBTQ Cabinet secretary.

Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who won reelection in 2022 by roughly 10 percentage points, was considered a top candidate to replace Biden. However, she endorsed Harris on Monday and seemed to remove herself from consideration in comments to local reporters.

Gavin Newsom: California Gov. Gavin Newsom was a subject of 2024 presidential speculation last year after debating then-GOP candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and visiting several Republican-led states. Newsom endorsed Harris on Sunday.