Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s lead as the favorite for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination has narrowed in the final days of the contest. The 51-year-old Democrat has maintained his position at the top of the betting odds since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumed nominee after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
While Shapiro was the clear favorite earlier in the week, calls from the progressive faction of the party for Harris to explore other options have shifted the odds. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has notably benefitted from this push, with his odds improving from +1400 at U.K. bookmaker Bet365 on Thursday to +275 by Sunday.
On Sunday, Harris met with Shapiro, Walz, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly at her residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington. Shapiro’s betting odds fluctuated throughout the week, moving from +120 at Bet365 on Tuesday to -260 on Wednesday, then to -400 on Saturday, and finally to -160 on Sunday.
The betting market, which does not include U.S. bookmakers, has seen significant activity, with nearly $1.15 million in bets placed at Betfair Exchange. Reports indicate that Harris plans to visit key battleground states next week with her vice-presidential pick and aims to announce her choice before August 7.
Current betting odds for the Democratic vice presidential nominee are as follows:
Bet 365:
– Josh Shapiro: -190
– Tim Walz: +275
– Mark Kelly: +700
– Andrew Beshear: +1200
– Pete Buttigieg: +2000
Bovada:
– Josh Shapiro: -170
– Tim Walz: +230
– Andrew Beshear: +1400
– Mark Kelly: +1500
– Pete Buttigieg: +3000
BetOnline:
– Josh Shapiro: -200
– Tim Walz: +190
– Mark Kelly: +1000
– Andrew Beshear: +1600
– Pete Buttigieg: +3500