In a revealing disclosure from her upcoming book, Kamala Harris admits that her first choice for a running mate in the 2024 presidential election was not the man she ultimately selected.

In her memoir, 107 Days, Harris details her initial preference for Pete Buttigieg as her vice-presidential pick before opting for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a decision shaped by concerns over societal biases, ultimately leading to a loss against Donald Trump in both the Electoral College and popular vote, as the New York Post reports.

Early in the selection process, Harris ranked Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, at the top of a list of eight potential running mates.

Insights emerge in new memoir

Buttigieg, who gained national prominence during the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, impressed Harris with his ability to communicate progressive ideas in a way that resonated across political divides.

She described him as a dedicated public servant and expressed personal admiration, noting their close friendship along with her fondness for his husband, Chasten.

Harris wrote that Buttigieg could have been the perfect complement to her campaign under different circumstances, specifically if she fit a more traditional candidate profile.

Societal barriers blamed for decision

Despite her high regard for Buttigieg, Harris grappled with the potential risks of selecting an openly gay man as her running mate.

She acknowledged that her own identity as a Black woman married to a Jewish man already presented significant challenges for some voters.

Adding another layer of diversity to the ticket, she feared, might be too much for the electorate to embrace, given the high stakes of the election.

Mutual understanding claimed

Harris admitted to feeling torn, with a part of her wanting to disregard the potential backlash and move forward with Buttigieg anyway.

However, she ultimately concluded that the gamble was too great, describing the decision as carrying significant weight for the campaign’s outcome.

She also noted a shared sense of disappointment with Buttigieg, believing he understood the difficult reality of the situation they faced together.

Walz selected, loss sustained

After weighing her options, Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate for the 2024 election.

Despite their efforts, the Harris-Walz ticket was unable to secure victory, losing to former President Donald Trump in every swing state, as well as in both the popular vote and Electoral College.

Reflecting on her journey in 107 Days, Harris provides insight into the complex considerations that shaped her campaign strategy, while also highlighting her respect for Buttigieg’s talents and character, as well as her hope for future collaboration within the Democratic Party.