Kamala Harris Reveals Pete Buttigieg Was Her Intended 2016 Running Mate

In her upcoming memoir "107 Days," former Vice President Kamala Harris reveals that her first choice for running mate in the 2024 presidential election was Pete Buttigieg, the openly gay former Secretary of Transportation. However, Harris decided against the pairing, fearing America was not ready to accept a ticket combining a Black woman married to a Jewish man and a gay man, describing the risk as "too big." She ultimately chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, a decision she reflects on with some sadness alongside Buttigieg. Harris praises Buttigieg as a sincere public servant capable of framing liberal arguments to resonate with conservatives, and expresses personal affection for him and his husband. Despite the loss to President Trump and JD Vance, Harris's candid admission highlights ongoing challenges around race, sexual orientation, and political strategy within the Democratic Party. Buttigieg remains a prominent figure and a potential 2028 presidential contender, currently polling ahead of Harris in hypothetical primary matchups.