Green Party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein announced Butch Ware, a professor at the University of California Santa Barbara, as her running mate on Friday. The announcement was made during a virtual rally organized by the campaign.
“I’m honored and thrilled to welcome Butch Ware as my running mate and the Vice President we need at this moment in history,” Stein posted on X following her announcement. “[…] This is truly a historic ticket bringing together a Jewish woman and Black Muslim man against genocide, endless war, climate collapse, and rampant injustice, and for an economy that works for working people, a livable future for our children, and an America and a world that works for all of us.”
Earlier this month, the Stein campaign told Al Jazeera that Stein would select her running mate during a virtual announcement rally, giving the names of three potential options. The rally was initially planned for last Thursday on Zoom but was rescheduled due to a health emergency.
In addition to the announcement, Friday’s rally featured an array of speakers, including Stein’s 2016 vice-presidential running mate, Ajamu Baraka, and her 2012 running mate, Cheri Honkala. Other notable speakers included Palestinian-American activist Jenan Matari, peace activist Medea Benjamin, Indigenous advocate and water protector Crystal Cavalier, and economist Michael Hudson. Several individuals considered potential running mate choices by the campaign were also in attendance.
Delegates at the Green Party’s Presidential Nominating Convention will vote on the party’s presidential ticket on Saturday afternoon, with the chosen nominee expected to give a press conference following the roll call vote. The convention officially began on Thursday and will continue through the weekend.