UAW president supports Beshear and Walz as top choices for Harris’ VP.

Washington — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has voiced his top picks for Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, naming Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the union’s top choices. Fain emphasized that ultimately, the decision rests with Vice President Harris herself.

In an interview on “Face the Nation” Sunday, Fain expressed his support for Beshear, highlighting the governor’s solidarity with workers on the picket line and his consistent advocacy for labor rights. Fain believes that a Harris-Beshear ticket would be formidable, especially considering Beshear’s success in a traditionally red state as a Democrat.

Walz, Fain noted, is also highly regarded within the labor community, being described as an “awesome guy for labor.” However, Fain raised concerns about other potential candidates, such as Sen. Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, citing issues like Kelly’s recent legislative support and Shapiro’s stance on private school vouchers.

Despite these reservations, Fain reaffirmed that Harris remains a staunch advocate for labor rights, regardless of her choice of running mate. The UAW endorsed Harris last week, commending her history of supporting workers and contrasting it with the former President Donald Trump’s record.

As Harris prepares to announce her running mate this week, she is expected to meet with UAW members and leaders in Detroit as part of her campaign efforts in key battleground states. The decision on Harris’ running mate is eagerly anticipated, with six individuals reportedly under consideration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

According to Fain, the upcoming election is a crucial moment for working-class people, emphasizing the importance of choosing a candidate who stands with labor. Regardless of the final selection, Fain expressed confidence in Harris’ commitment to representing the interests of the American people.