Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly set to announce Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, a choice that brings both strategic advantages and potential controversy to the Democratic ticket.
Multiple sources close to the Harris campaign and Democratic Party insiders suggest that Shapiro, 51, has emerged as the frontrunner in a condensed vetting process.
Just days ahead of the Harris campaign imminent announcement, the governor’s recent cancellation of weekend fundraisers in the Hamptons has fueled speculation that Shapiro will be revealed at a rally scheduled for Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Shapiro’s selection underscores the critical importance of Pennsylvania in the electoral map. With 19 electoral votes, the state is widely seen as a must-win for both parties. Shapiro’s popularity in Pennsylvania — he reportedly has a 61% approval rating — could provide a significant boost to the Democratic ticket.
However, the potential nomination comes with serious scandals.
The National Women’s Defense League (NWDL) has raised concerns about Shapiro’s handling of a sexual harassment case in his office. The case, involving former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb, resulted in a $295,000 settlement paid by Shapiro’s administration to an employee over unwanted sexual advances.
Emma Davidson Tribbs, Director of NWDL, stated, “We urge [the Harris Campaign] to consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the Pennsylvania Governor’s office. The American people deserve to know that, if called to a higher office, Governor Shapiro will do more to ensure the safety and dignity of employees, volunteers and constituents in his office.”
Shapiro’s office pushed back against the allegations, and claim they have robust procedures in place for investigating such claims.
The Harris campaign has remained tight-lipped about the selection process, with official announcements expected in the coming days.
However, reports from various sources suggest that Shapiro is almost certainly the choice.
As the Democratic Party prepares for what promises to be a highly contested election, the selection of Shapiro as Harris’s running mate could set the tone for the campaign’s strategy in key battleground states.