During Joe Biden's re-election campaign, Kamala Harris was presumed the Democratic Party nominee for a second term as Vice President of the United States.

Biden competed in the Democratic presidential primaries facing candidates such as Minnesota US Representative Dean Phillips, and businessman Jason Palmer.

However, amidst concerns about his age and ability to serve as president, Biden withdrew from the election on July 21, and endorsed Harris to replace him as the presidential nominee.

[15] The New York Times reported that Harris was expected to make an announcement on her running mate choice hours before the Philadelphia rally.

[16] On the morning of August 6, awaiting Harris's decision, the United States Secret Service said it was ready to swiftly provide security to whomever the running mate was.

[17] Harris advisors who were on the team that vetted prospective running mates for Harris included: An official reported to ABC News on July 23 that Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Shapiro were the leading candidates,[19] while another source told Talking Points Memo the following day that North Carolina governor Roy Cooper was an additional top choice.

[22] On July 26, The Washington Post reported that Cooper, Kelly and Shapiro were at the top of Harris's shortlist according to people close to the campaign.

[25] On July 28, USA Today reported Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as "one of the most prominent potential running mates" being vetted by the Harris campaign.

[35] On August 1, NBC News reported that the Harris campaign's vetting team had formally met with six finalists, Beshear, Buttigieg, Kelly, Shapiro, Walz, and Illinois Governor J.

[40] On August 1, NBC News and The New York Times reported that the final shortlist included Andy Beshear, Pete Buttigieg, Mark Kelly, J.

[46][47][48] Despite being listed as a serious contender, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated on July 29 that she never received any vetting materials and declined to be considered, preferring to serve the remainder of her term.