VP hopefuls are clearing their schedules as Harris' search nears its end

Josh Shapiro and Andy Beshear canceled events over the coming days as Kamala Harris is said to be in the final stages of choosing her running mate.

• Kamala Harris' running-mate search is nearing its end. Her pick could be announced this weekend.
• Govs. Josh Shapiro and Andy Beshear canceled events, fueling speculation about their futures.
• Harris plans to hold in-person interviews with her shortlist, possibly this weekend, per Politico.

Vice President Kamala Harris' veepstakes are nearing their conclusion.

Top contenders for their spot cleared their schedules for the weekend, fueling speculation about their potential selection.

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, considered a frontrunner for the role of Harris' running mate, abruptly canceled a three-event fundraising event in the Hamptons, The New York Times reported.

According to two people briefed on the matter who spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity, hosts of the events were informed on Wednesday about Shapiro's change of plans.

The sources told the newspaper that his team had hoped the cancellations would be kept under wraps longer.

"His schedule has changed, and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend," said Manuel Bonder, a spokesman for Shapiro.

Shapiro's team did not give a reason for the changed schedule and did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Similarly, Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky had a change of plans. He canceled a planned stop at a distillery in western Kentucky, timetabled for Friday, his office told local news outlet KFVS.

Lieutenant Gov. Jacqueline Coleman was scheduled in his place.

Beshear's team did not give KFVS a reason for the change and did not respond immediately to a request for comment from BI.

However, Beshear posted on X on Thursday that his father, former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, had been involved in a "single-car accident," suggesting a different explanation for his absence.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also in contention, hasn't canceled anything.

But he did shorten an appearance in Kokomo, Indiana, due to "unforeseen scheduling constraints," according to an email sent by the US Department of Transport and shared by Politico reporter Adam Wren on X.

Buttigieg's team did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

The search for Harris' running mate is in its final days.

The Harris campaign told Politico that Harris would stage her first rally with her running mate in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Sources told Reuters that Harris is expected to announce the decision as soon as Monday.

This is consistent with a timeline from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who ruled herself out of the running earlier this week.

She said Harris would make her call by Monday.

According to Politico, Harris is preparing for face-to-face interviews with her shortlist, marking the last stage of an expedited vetting process.

NBC News reported that the vetting team had also met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.