ST PAUL, Minn. — Sources close to the Kamala Harris campaign tell NBC News that five people have been asked to submit materials on their backgrounds to be considered as her Democratic vice presidential candidate, and one of them is reportedly Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The insiders say Walz is on that short list of contenders, along with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Sen. Mark Kelly, of Arizona; and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Two other names that may be under discussion include Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and former Rep. Cedric Richmond, of Louisiana, who has served as a Biden-Harris campaign co-chair, one of the sources told NBC. It's not clear if the two received vetting materials.
“Any reporting on developments or updates in Vice President Harris’ running mate search are premature and speculative. Vice President Harris is considering a large pool of qualified candidates, and will choose a partner that shares her commitment to fighting for the middle class, protecting Americans’ freedoms, and protecting our democracy," shared Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz. "And when that candidate is chosen, together, they will handily defeat the Trump-Vance ticket in November. "
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has been tasked with vetting and identifying the best candidate to accompany Harris on the Democratic ticket. The goal is reportedly to have a vice presidential nominee in time for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.
Walz has a chance for some face time Tuesday evening, when he is scheduled to appear on both CNN and NBC. Tuesday morning, the Minnesota Governor was asked to join a discussion on conservative-leaning Fox News about the Democratic vetting process and whether the party moved to fast to push VP Harris into the favorite's role. Walz told "Democrats are ready to move when the situation warrants it." He also opined that the deal's not done, and Democrats still have options, unlike their GOP counterparts.
"The Republican Party is stuck with Donald Trump," Walz said, grinning. "He's yours, you got him, welcome to it."
Walz's appearance drew the ire of Republican nominee Donald Trump, who left a post on his social media site TruthSocial.
"Why did Fox News put up Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, where I am leading? They make me fight battles I shouldn't have to fight," Trump complained.
Walz quickly responded with his own post on X, insisting Trump has no chance in Minnesota or other rural America battle states.
