Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is being considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Shapiro, a former state representative, county commissioner, and attorney general, was elected as governor in 2022 and is known for his popularity in Pennsylvania. He won the 2022 gubernatorial election by a significant margin and has been praised for his accomplishments, including investigations into the Catholic Church’s cover-up of child sexual abuse and his swift response to a major infrastructure issue. If selected as Harris’ running mate, Shapiro would represent several firsts, including being the first Jewish vice president.
Speculation about Shapiro as Harris’ VP pick has increased in recent days, especially as Harris plans to kick off a swing-state tour with her VP pick starting in Philadelphia. While Harris has not made a decision yet, reports suggest that the campaign is urging donors to contribute quickly to avoid contribution limits if a governor is selected as VP. Despite the timing of the first event in Philadelphia and Shapiro’s odds on betting sites, it is important to note that previous VP picks have not been announced in the running mate’s home state.
Shapiro’s appeal as a potential VP pick lies in his electoral success in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state. He outperformed Biden in every county in the state during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign. However, some critics have downplayed the significance of his victory, pointing out that his opponent, Doug Mastriano, was a weak candidate who did not campaign extensively. Additionally, Shapiro has faced criticism for his handling of scandals, including a sexual harassment complaint against one of his top aides. He has also been criticized by the left for his policies on school vouchers, corporate tax cuts, and law enforcement.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized Shapiro as a “far-left Democrat” and blamed him for what he sees as lawlessness in Philadelphia. Despite these criticisms, Shapiro has expressed his support for Harris and called on the party to unite behind her after Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her. Shapiro has refrained from speculating on his own potential as a presidential or VP candidate, focusing instead on supporting the Democratic ticket. As the speculation around Harris’ VP pick continues to grow, all eyes are on Shapiro as a potential running mate and the impact he could have on the 2024 election.
