Kamala Harris Reveals Pete Buttigieg Was Her First Choice for Vice President in Forthcoming Memoir

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has revealed in her forthcoming memoir, titled “107 Days,” that her original choice for running mate in the 2024 presidential campaign was not Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but rather Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The disclosure, first published in excerpts obtained by The Atlantic and widely reported across media, provides new insight into the strategic and personal considerations shaping the Democratic ticket in a pivotal election year .

According to the memoir, Harris described Buttigieg as the “ideal partner – if I were a straight white man,” underscoring the intersectional challenges faced by candidates from marginalized communities. She praised Buttigieg’s unique ability to “frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them,” highlighting his reputation as an effective communicator across political divides .

Despite her admiration for Buttigieg, Harris ultimately determined that selecting him as her vice presidential candidate posed “too big of a risk.” She candidly expressed concern that the nation was not prepared to elect a ticket led by both a Black woman and a gay man, a pairing she considered groundbreaking but potentially polarizing in the current political climate . This decision reflects the persistent challenges facing candidates representing multiple historically marginalized identities at the highest levels of government.

Harris wrote that the choice was made “to our mutual sadness,” suggesting a sense of shared disappointment between her and Buttigieg. According to reporting, Harris did not discuss her reasoning directly with Buttigieg after choosing Walz, and both Buttigieg and Harris have declined to comment further on the matter since the excerpt’s publication .

The revelation has sparked widespread discussion within both political and LGBTQ+ circles. Buttigieg, who made history as the first openly gay Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, remains a prominent figure in national politics and a symbol of progress for LGBTQ+ representation in public life . Harris’ acknowledgment of the perceived risks associated with an intersectional ticket has prompted reflection on the barriers that remain for LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color in seeking the highest offices in the United States.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice have noted that the memoir’s excerpts underscore the need for continued efforts to break down structural barriers in politics. “Harris’ transparency about her decision-making process sheds light on the calculations that candidates from marginalized backgrounds must make, which their white, cisgender, heterosexual peers often do not face,” said one political analyst in commentary published after the excerpts surfaced .

The 2024 campaign was marked by significant scrutiny of the Democratic ticket’s composition. With Joe Biden declining to seek a second term, Harris’ choice of running mate became a focal point for both supporters and critics . While Governor Walz ultimately joined the ticket, analysts have observed that Buttigieg’s national profile and policy record positioned him as a compelling alternative.

Both Harris and Buttigieg are widely seen as potential presidential contenders for the 2028 election cycle, though neither has made formal announcements regarding their intentions .

The episode has reignited conversations about LGBTQ+ representation and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexual orientation in American politics. Buttigieg’s historic role in the Biden administration and Harris’ own trailblazing achievements underscore the progress made in recent years. However, as Harris’ reflections illustrate, the path to full inclusion remains fraught with obstacles that require ongoing advocacy and public dialogue.

LGBTQ+ organizations have responded to the news by reiterating calls for greater representation at every level of government. “The vision of a ticket led by a Black woman and a gay man is not just symbolic – it’s a tangible reminder of the diverse constituencies that make up the fabric of our democracy,” said a spokesperson for a leading national LGBTQ+ advocacy group in a statement responding to media reports .

As the nation reflects on this moment, Harris’ memoir is poised to foster further debate about the meaning of true inclusion and the courage required to challenge the status quo. The book’s release is expected to provide additional context and personal perspective on the pressures and possibilities facing candidates who embody multiple marginalized identities.