Kamala Harris is already contemplating her potential Cabinet choices, with a focus on bringing in younger and more diverse candidates than those in President Joe Biden’s administration, according to a new report. Axios has revealed that Harris’s preliminary list includes several prominent figures, many of whom are rising stars within the Democratic Party.
The report lists California Senators Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla, as well as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as potential picks for top roles in Harris’s administration. These choices reflect Harris’s commitment to diversity, as all three are known for their progressive stances and their representation of underrepresented communities.
For the crucial position of Secretary of State, Harris’s shortlist reportedly includes Delaware Senator Chris Coons, CIA Director Bill Burns, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Each of these candidates brings significant foreign policy experience, making them strong contenders to represent the U.S. on the global stage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was previously considered as a potential running mate for Harris, is being considered for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Buttigieg’s experience in the Biden administration and his broad appeal could make him a key player in Harris’s Cabinet. Additionally, Michèle Flournoy, who served as undersecretary of defense for policy under President Barack Obama, is reportedly being considered for Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, Flournoy would make history as the first woman to hold this position.
“You won’t see a bunch of new people you’ve never heard of,” an unnamed staffer told Axios, suggesting that Harris’s selections will include well-known figures with significant experience.
This report comes just days after Harris secured the Democratic nomination and announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. As Harris builds her campaign, she is also pulling ahead of her Republican rival, Donald Trump, in recent polling. New data from NPR, PBS, and Marist show Harris leading Trump by three points, a notable shift after several days of neck-and-neck competition.
As Harris continues to solidify her team and her lead in the polls, the focus on diversity and experience in her potential Cabinet picks underscores her commitment to representing a broad coalition of Americans.