With growing support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nominee, conversations are turning to potential running mates.
"The first question that the Harris campaign is going to think about is, 'Who can help us win?' This is about winning," said Larry Jacobs, political science professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Jacobs said the Harris campaign will be looking for a candidate who can stretch the Democratic appeal to independent and swing voters, and maybe even some Republicans.
"I think there are going to be several candidates from the South who have demonstrated the ability as governors to win over Republican states," Jacobs said.
Jacobs said some potential top picks include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina.
"They have won repeatedly in Republican states. They actually have support from Republicans in their states. They have certainly a Democratic agenda, but they have a style and a moderate image that has really helped them," Jacobs said.
North Carolina is also a battleground state, as is Arizona where Mark Kelly serves as a U.S. Senator.
"I think the party is always also going to be looking for candidates in the Southwest that have also been able to reach outside the Democratic base, have an appeal perhaps to some of those Libertarian voters who might be out there. Conservatives, as well," Jacobs said.
Other names on the list include Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. But given both Newsom and Harris hail from California, it's more unlikely. The 12th Amendment states both the president and vice president cannot be residents of the same state, meaning electors could only vote for one of them.
Another name popping up on lists is Gov. Tim Walz. On Monday, the governor told KARE 11's news partner MPR News that he's open to the idea.
"If I thought there was something that I could bring to the ticket and make a difference, especially in those states that we need to win, I'm certainly listening. But look, I've got the best job I could ever hope for — the honor of my life serving the people of Minnesota. I think though when I travel, a lot of states like what we're doing here and I think that idea that we could do that in other places would be great," Gov. Walz told Minnesota Now hosted by Cathy Wurzer.
KARE 11 reached out to the governor's office and a spokesperson said, "The Governor is excited that Minnesota is receiving national attention for passing a historic legislative agenda. While he plans to do everything he can to defeat Donald Trump in November, he remains focused on his job as Governor."
Jacobs said, "I think the question is going to be what does Governor Walz do for the ticket that is exceptional compared to the other options, unlike the southern governors who are winning in Republican states?"
There's also the question of who could debate former President Donald Trump's running mate Sen. JD Vance.
"The Harris Campaign is looking for a candidate who could be effective in taking on JD Vance in a way that reintroduces the Harris ticket to voters who are not now supporting the Democrats. That's the key here. How can you broaden the appeal of the Harris ticket? And right now, I think they've got a real struggle. They are clearly the underdogs at this point," Jacobs said.
Other names showing up in the media include Governors Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), JB Pritzker (Illinois) and Wes Moore (Maryland). Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan had been mentioned as a possible contender but Monday she announced she will serve as co-chair of Harris' presidential campaign.
