Vice President Kamala Harris has narrowed her potential list of running mates to three candidates, according to Bloomberg News.

Bloomberg reported on Saturday that Harris is considering a wide range of vice presidential candidates from the Democratic Party's bench. However, sources familiar with the process indicate that a short list has emerged, featuring three elected officials with nationwide appeal: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign confirmed to Bloomberg that the Vice President has "directed her team to begin the process of vetting potential running mates," but declined to provide further details. Media reports suggest that Harris is expected to make her decision by August 7th.

Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, secured a decisive victory in the 2022 election. Prior to his governorship, the 51-year-old Democrat served as Pennsylvania's Attorney General from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure as Attorney General, Shapiro gained recognition for his investigations into clergy sex abuse and his efforts to protect voting rights. He has also been at the forefront of combating the opioid crisis and human trafficking in Pennsylvania.

Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, currently serves as the junior United States Senator from Arizona. He won his Senate seat in 2020, defeating Republican incumbent Martha McSally. Before entering politics, Kelly had a distinguished career as a naval aviator and astronaut, participating in four space shuttle missions between 2001 and 2011. In the Senate, Kelly has focused on issues such as veterans' affairs, science and technology, and climate change. He's also been a vocal advocate for gun control, co-founding the organization Americans for Responsible Solutions with his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Known for his moderate stance, Kelly brings valuable experience in border issues, an area where Harris has faced criticism.

Tim Walz, the current Governor of Minnesota, first took office in 2018. Before his governorship, Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives. His background includes careers in education and the military, having enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 and serving for 24 years. As governor, Walz gained national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his response to the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020.

As the vetting process continues, political analysts and the public alike will be watching closely to see who Harris selects as her running mate, a decision that could significantly impact the upcoming election.

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