UAW president Fain says Beshear, Walz are the union’s top picks for Harris VP

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain on Sunday pointed to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as the union’s top two picks to serve as Vice President Harris’s potential running mate.

In an interview on CBS News’s “Face the Nation,” Fain praised both candidates as supportive of workers and said Beshear’s victory, in particular, in such a deep-red state could bode well for the ticket.

“We’ve really broken down these candidates, really looked at them, and I’ll tell you, my favorite’s Andy Beshear from Kentucky,” Fain said when asked about the candidates rumored to be under consideration for the post.

“I mean, the man stood with us on the picket line. He’s been there for workers throughout every, every bit of our walk. And he’s won in a state where Mitch McConnell’s from. I mean, it’s already been a red state traditionally. He’s won twice there.  And I just believe he brings a huge dynamic, and I believe the Harris and Beshear ticket would be unbeatable. I believe both of them would just be such dynamic candidates,” he added.

Fain continued: “But we really like Tim Walz from Minnesota also, think he’s an awesome guy for labor. One hundred percent behind labor. And those would be our top two if we had to pick any.”

Fain made clear, however, that the union would support any decision Harris made.

“But ultimately, look, I mean, Vice President Harris has to pick who she’s most comfortable with, you know, because it’s her running mate, and it’s who she’s going to be serving with,” Fain said. “That’s who we believe would be best for labor and for working-class people. But, you know, that’s her decision.”

The UAW endorsed Harris’s campaign shortly after she became the party’s presumptive nominee. The union previously endorsed President Biden.

Harris, who has since become the party’s official nominee, is expected to announce her running mate in the coming days.