Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Vice President Kamala Harris has all but assured the nomination for President on the Democratic side. Next up, who will she choose as a running mate?
Two names have come up as top contenders.
A senior administration official tells ABC News the top-two candidates for Vice President are Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.
Those two are also at the top of the mind of SUNY Buffalo State's Peter Yacobucci.
"He just won re-election. Without Pennsylvania and those electoral votes, it becomes very dicey for Democrats to win the election," said Yacobucci in an interview with WBEN.
"Arizona is another key state. Kelly is a military veteran, astronaut, proponent to gun legislation, and is another attractive candidate as well," Yacobucci added on Kelly.
When a nominee is choosing a running mate, Yacobucci notes there are several factors that come into play.
"Do you want to balance out the ticket? Do you want to pick up a particular state? Do you want to match the characteristics, or find someone different?" Yacobucci pondered.
He says the other thing to keep in mind is either Shapiro or Kelly would have to give up their current elected offices, opening the door for a Republican to win that seat in a special election.
The process will also be sped up, because of Biden stepping down from the race on Sunday, says Yacobucci.
The Democratic National Convention is next month is Chicago.