In a race to select her vice presidential running mate, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has reportedly narrowed down her options to two finalists. Three sources with knowledge of the matter have revealed that the contenders are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

It is expected that Harris, the current U.S. vice president, will make her official announcement by Tuesday. This significant decision will be made prior to her first joint public appearance with her running mate at Temple University in Philadelphia later that evening. While it remains unclear if a final decision has been made, sources have indicated that the candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Harris' selection process initially revolved around six individuals, including four governors, a senator, and a cabinet secretary from the Biden administration. Her search came to a close on Sunday after interviewing three top candidates: Walz, Shapiro, and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. Interviews took place at her Naval Observatory residence, providing the senator an opportunity to assess the candidates up close.

With a social media announcement planned, the Harris campaign aims to showcase their vice presidential pick through digital platforms. The vice president has been actively engaged in meetings, including a 90-minute session with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Friday. In addition to in-person meetings, virtual interactions have also taken place with potential candidates.

Other contenders in the running included Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. As the buzz surrounding Harris' choice grows, the decision looms as one of the most consequential in her political career. A carefully chosen running mate will play a crucial role in challenging Republican nominee Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, U.S. Senator JD Vance, in the upcoming November 5 election. Vance is also scheduled to make a campaign stop in South Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Harris' shortlisted candidates all possess a track record of success in winning over rural, white, or independent voters. This balancing act aims to strengthen her overall campaign strategy. Over the weekend, the senator met with her vetting team, including former attorney general Eric Holder, to scrutinize the financial backgrounds of potential running mates.

The decision-making process involves weighing options alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, brother-in-law Tony West, and a small group of advisors. Once the running mate is announced, Harris and her partner will embark on a five-day, seven-city tour. The battleground states of Philadelphia, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada will host impactful rallies throughout the tour. Each location has been carefully chosen to encompass college campuses, historically Black universities, union halls, and restaurants.

As the campaign gains momentum, Harris has launched a program called "Republicans for Harris" to persuade Republican voters to choose the Democratic ticket. Endorsements from former Trump White House officials Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye have already bolstered her efforts. The program will hold kickoff events in key battleground states such as Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania on Monday.

Furthermore, the support of the hospitality workers union has further solidified Harris' appeal. The union praised her longstanding record of delivering for union workers, adding to the growing momentum within the campaign.

With the vice presidential running mate decision at hand, Harris aims to rally supporters, capture the attention of voters, and campaign vigorously across the battleground states. The chosen running mate will inevitably shape the trajectory of her campaign, and the impact of Harris' decision will be closely watched in the weeks leading up to the election.