Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has revealed that Pete Buttigieg, the openly gay politician and Transportation Secretary, was her top choice for running mate in last year’s presidential election — but ultimately deemed him too much of a political risk.
In an excerpt from her upcoming memoir 107 Days, published by The Atlantic, Harris said Buttigieg “would have been an ideal partner — if I were a straight white man.”
Harris, who stepped up to lead the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden bowed out in July under growing pressure, had just 107 days to mount a campaign before the November 2024 election.
In the memoir, she reflects on the decisions made during that whirlwind period, including choosing a vice-presidential candidate. Though she saw Buttigieg as the strongest option, she hesitated because of how much they were already asking of voters.
“We were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” she writes. “Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, let’s just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.”
“And I think Pete also knew that – to our mutual sadness.”
“I Love Pete”: Harris Praises Buttigieg
Harris says she and Buttigieg share a deep mutual respect, both personally and professionally.
“He is a sincere public servant with the rare talent of being able to frame liberal arguments in a way that makes it possible for conservatives to hear them,” she writes.
“I love Pete. I love working with Pete. He and his husband, Chasten, are friends.”
Harris eventually chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, citing the need for balance and strategy amid a high-stakes election.
Buttigieg’s Continued Rise
Buttigieg, who first rose to national prominence during the 2020 Democratic primaries, has remained a respected figure in US politics. His talent for reaching across the aisle was on display earlier this year during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, a show often associated with the ‘manosphere’ — an online space that played a role in boosting Donald Trump’s re-election.
Speaking candidly about parenthood, adoption, and his political beliefs, Buttigieg was praised by conservative viewers for his honesty and relatability.
One listener wrote:
“I see Pete in a completely different light now: very wholesome. Even though our views don’t always align, he is a great husband, dad and representative.”
A July 2025 poll suggested Buttigieg is currently the frontrunner among potential Democratic nominees for the 2028 US presidential election.
