As Vice President Kamala Harris continues to fight a close race against former President Donald Trump, speculation is mounting about what her potential Cabinet could look like if she wins the upcoming presidential election in November.

Harris is reportedly aiming to balance the inclusion of experienced Washington insiders -- including some Obama administration veterans -- with new, diverse voices in her Cabinet selections, as The Hill reports.

The possibility of Harris assuming the presidency has led to increasing discussions around her potential Cabinet members, reflecting her goal to include fresh faces alongside seasoned veterans from Washington.

One of the most discussed points is Harris’s rumored consideration of naming the first-ever female secretary of Defense, signaling her intent to break new ground.

Speculation Builds Around Defense and State Department Picks

Harris’s Cabinet could feature Michèle Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defense for policy, as a leading candidate for the role of secretary of Defense. If selected, Flournoy would become the first woman to ever hold the role. Other contenders for the Defense post include Colin Kahl and Mara Karlin, who are both seen as experienced options for the position.

Meanwhile, there is also speculation about the future of the secretary of State role. Current Secretary of State Antony Blinken has hinted that he would likely remain in his position under a Harris administration. Potential successors for the State Department role include CIA Director Bill Burns, as well as Democrat Sens. Chris Coons and Chris Murphy, both of whom have a good rapport with Harris. Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, remarked that Burns is "the best strategist in government" and should be seriously considered for the position.

Bipartisan Picks A Possibility

In her effort to promote bipartisan collaboration, Harris is reportedly considering a number of Republicans for her Cabinet. Former House Reps. Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney are being floated as potential bipartisan appointments, both known for their break from Trump-era Republican politics. Another notable Republican name in the mix is Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, who could take on a key Cabinet role.

This move toward bipartisan picks would be a signal from Harris that she may try to form a Cabinet that bridges political divides, an important consideration as she seeks to appeal to a wide range of voters.

Potential Attorney General and Treasury Candidates

The role of attorney general is also drawing significant attention. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is seen as a top contender for the post, thanks to his experience and relationship with Harris. However, more controversial names are also in the mix, including Tony West, a close ally and brother-in-law of Harris, and former Sen. Doug Jones.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen may remain in her position if Harris wins the presidency. Yellen’s experience has earned her respect from Harris, who reportedly appreciates her handling of economic matters. However, other names being floated for the Treasury role include Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.

Labor And Transportation Departments

Sen. Laphonza Butler of California is another figure expected to be a prominent choice for Harris’s Cabinet, specifically as the next secretary of Labor. Butler has long-standing ties with Harris, and insiders say she would be a natural fit for the role. According to a former Senate aide, Butler “would do extremely well” in a Cabinet role.

Current Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is another figure who might remain in the Cabinet, along with several other senators such as Catherine Cortez Masto, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Debbie Stabenow, all of whom have been discussed as potential Cabinet members.

National Security and Economic Strategy Are Key Considerations

For the critical role of National Security Adviser, Phil Gordon is likely to continue serving in the position under a Harris administration. As this role does not require Senate confirmation, it allows Harris more flexibility in keeping key advisers like Gordon close to her.

Harris’s allies have emphasized her respect for individuals who have proven their capability in their current roles. This sentiment is especially notable when it comes to potential economic picks, where Harris may favor individuals who are already familiar with the work.

Balancing Experience and Innovation in Cabinet

Harris’s strategy in shaping her Cabinet appears to be one of balance. She is expected to retain several members of the current Biden administration, relying on their experience to provide continuity while also bringing in new perspectives. By considering individuals from both sides of the political spectrum, Harris seems to be signaling a desire for an administration that she believes would combine stability with innovation.

With the election still months away, the conversation around potential Cabinet picks is only just beginning. Harris’s decisions in these early stages will likely be watched closely by political observers and could impact how voters perceive her ability to govern.

Conclusion: Harris’s Cabinet Choices Will Be Crucial

As Vice President Kamala Harris battles it out with former President Donald Trump, anticipation builds over the makeup of her potential Cabinet if she wins in November.

From high-profile picks like Michèle Flournoy for secretary of Defense to bipartisan selections like Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, Harris’s choices will reflect her desire to balance Washington experience with fresh perspectives.

Figures like CIA Director Bill Burns and Sen. Chris Murphy are also being discussed as potential candidates for Secretary of State, while Janet Yellen may remain as Treasury secretary.

Harris's selections will ultimately shape the tone and direction of her administration, underscoring the significance of these early decisions.