Kamala Harris Says Pete Buttigieg Was Her First Choice But Ticket Too Risky
In her new memoir 107 Days, former Vice President Kamala Harris reveals that she considered Pete Buttigieg as her ideal running mate for the 2024 election. However, she ultimately rejected the idea, citing concerns that pairing a Black woman with an openly gay man on the ticket might be viewed as “too big of a risk” by voters.
Harris praised Buttigieg’s qualifications and admitted that he would have been an excellent partner. She wrote that it “might have been easier” if she had been a straight white man, suggesting that multiple identity factors combined to influence her decision. Despite her affection for Buttigieg and recognition of his abilities, she believed the public might not be ready to accept such a ticket during a contested election.
The memoir also recounts her friendship with Buttigieg and his husband, and how she felt mutual sadness over the decision. Ultimately, Harris selected Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate. While the ticket affirmed Harris’s leadership and experience, it did not secure victory in the general election.
The revelation has sparked debate among political observers. Some praised Harris for her honesty about the calculations that go into ticket‐building, while others expressed disappointment that identity concerns influenced the choice. Buttigieg himself reportedly expressed surprise at the characterization but framed his belief in giving voters more credit.
