The Harris-Buttigieg Ticket That Almost Was
New memoir '107 Days' reveals former vice president considered Michigander her top VP choice but deemed it too risky
Former Vice President Kamala Harris reveals in her upcoming memoir that former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her top choice for running mate during her 2024 presidential campaign, but she ultimately decided adding a gay man to the ticket alongside a Black woman would be "too big of a risk."
In excerpts from her book "107 Days" obtained by The Atlantic, Harris wrote about the difficult calculation she faced when considering her vice presidential pick.
"We were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man. Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, let's just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk. And I think Pete also knew that — to our mutual sadness," Harris wrote.
The revelation offers insight into the complex considerations Harris faced during her truncated presidential run after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July 2024. Despite concerns about voter acceptance, Harris praised Buttigieg as "a sincere public servant with the rare talent of being able to frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them."
The decision not to select Buttigieg may have particular resonance in Michigan, where the former South Bend mayor has established permanent residence. Buttigieg and his husband Chasten moved to Traverse City in 2022 to be closer to Chasten's family and to raise their twin children. The Michigander recently declined to seek the state's open Senate seat in 2026, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run.
Buttigieg was among several Democratic rising stars Harris considered for the vice presidential slot, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. She ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, citing his executive experience and "strong record of accomplishment for middle-class families."
Harris and Buttigieg did not discuss her reasoning for the decision, according to a person familiar with their discussions. Buttigieg's team declined to comment when contacted by ABC News.
The memoir, set for release Tuesday, promises a behind-the-scenes look at Harris' historic but unsuccessful campaign. In another excerpt published last week, Harris criticized the decision-making process that led to Biden's reelection bid, calling it "recklessness" to allow the president to make the choice alone.
Read More
After Detroit Child Sex Abuse Arrests, Advocates Urge Focus on Survivors and Prevention
Editor's note: This story contains discussion of child sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help is available 24/7 through the [...]
Adam Hollier Returns to Senate Race With Trans Women of Color as His North Star
In a bid to return to the State Senate, one candidate said he's making equity and justice for trans women of color his “North Star.” Adam Hollier, a [...]
Building (Rainbow) Bridges Across Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Midway through our Zoom interview, Carrie Fiocchi's screen freezes. She's calling from a local library in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the internet there has [...]
Black Trans Trailblazers That You May Not Learn About in History Class
This article, originally published here, is shared with permission from Erin Reed. Erin In The Morning is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts [...]
The Relentless Drive Behind LGBTQ+ Tech Innovation in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor SPARK supports entrepreneurs and startups throughout Washtenaw County with mentorship, funding and accelerator programs. This is part four of our [...]
'The Map of Us' Podcast Series Documents State of LGBTQ+ Media Nationwide
When queer news disappears locally, what fills the void? A new podcast series is answering that question by putting real voices behind the data on where LGBTQ+ [...]
