In the race to become presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris's vice presidential running mate, two frontrunners have emerged - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Both candidates hail from swing states crucial for Democrats to secure victory in the 2024 election.

Insiders familiar with the ongoing discussions have mentioned that Josh Shapiro is considered a strong contender due to the potential impact of winning Pennsylvania. "Locking down Pennsylvania would change the entire trajectory of the race," stated an insider. However, it's important to note that talks are still in a fluid state, cautioning against prematurely confirming any decisions.

While Pennsylvania may be top priority, securing a presence in Arizona is also crucial, considering President Biden and Vice President Harris won the state in 2020. Supporters argue that having Mark Kelly on Harris's ticket would help Democrats retain Arizona. One Democratic congressman described Kelly as a safe choice with a list of positives, including his background as an astronaut and his politician wife, Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting incident in 2011.

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Republican Arizona Senator John McCain, expressed her support for Mark Kelly, calling him a frontrunner and highlighting his strong reputation in Arizona. She emphasized his military and NASA background as compelling attributes, making him a formidable choice for Republicans.

However, both Shapiro and Kelly face their fair share of challenges. Shapiro has earned opposition from pro-Hamas activists due to his explicit support for Israel and firm stance against Hamas. Progressive voices, including New York City Councilman Chi Ossé, have publicly urged Harris not to select Shapiro, citing concerns about his appeal among youth voters.

On the other hand, Mark Kelly's position as a senator presents its own set of considerations. Should he leave the Senate, there is a risk of the seat flipping back to Republicans in the next election cycle. Insiders have suggested that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer may be hesitant to let go of such a reliable asset, though Schumer's representative declined to comment on the matter.

Both Shapiro and Kelly bring experience in appealing to moderate voters, which could balance Harris's history of far-left policy positions. This quality could prove advantageous in appealing to a broader segment of the electorate.

While the selection of Harris's running mate remains undecided, the prominence of contenders like Josh Shapiro and Mark Kelly underscores the significance of swing states and the need for strategic choices that can bolster the Democrats' chances in the upcoming election.