“Kamala Harris Should Not Choose Kelly”: Experts Weigh In on VP Running Mate Options
(Photo by Getty Images)
Last week, Washington Post associate editor Karen Tumulty suggested that Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) would be the “smartest selection” for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, arguing that he “would help inoculate her in areas where she is likely to be vulnerable,” such as immigration.
In contrast, The New Republic’s Timothy Noah advised Harris to steer clear of selecting the Arizona senator. In a July 30 op-ed, Noah wrote, “Kamala Harris should not choose Kelly to be her running mate,” emphasizing, “Putting Kelly on the ticket might seem like an electorally smart strategy because he’s from Arizona.
But Kelly brings with him so much baggage on important working-class issues that [GOP vice presidential nominee JD] Vance, by comparison, might start to look like the plausible tribune of the proletariat he tries so hard to be. It isn’t worth the risk.” Noah presented three key reasons why Kelly could harm Harris’ chances against Donald Trump in November.
Firstly, he noted that although Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs “under Arizona law” would have “to replace Kelly with another Democrat” if Harris selects him, “a special election would be held in 2026—three years before Kelly’s current Senate term is due to expire. And in a state like Arizona, a Democratic victory would be far from assured.”
Secondly, Noah highlighted Kelly’s “lousy record on labor.” He pointed out that Kelly is the only Democratic senator who originally failed to sponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which is a top priority for labor as it aims to eliminate barriers to workplace organizing. While Kelly supported the overall goals of the bill, he opposed a provision that narrowed the definition of “independent contractor,” which would make it more difficult for employers to deny workers unemployment and other benefits. Noah suggested that Kelly’s resistance raised suspicions of him caving to Arizona’s anti-labor business community.
Secondly, Noah emphasizes:
The Democrats are projected to lose their Senate majority in November, and even if they confound expectations and keep it, that majority will be razor-thin, as it is today. No current senator should be under consideration for the Democratic vice presidential slot (and, for that matter, no current representative either, though the Great Mentioner tends to disdain the House of Representatives). The Republicans can perhaps spare a Senate seat if Senator J.D. Vance becomes vice president; the Democrats cannot.
Lastly, Noah argued that Kelly’s recent endorsement of the PRO Act, coming just one day after he was reported as a potential VP candidate for Harris, does not wipe the slate clean. He emphasized, “Labor is not just some Democratic interest group. It’s the party’s heart and soul.”
Despite some arguing that a single issue should not disqualify Kelly, Noah concluded that Harris should consider other options for her running mate to ensure a stronger position against Trump in the upcoming election.
