The man widely seen as the favorite to become Kamala Harris’ running mate is now facing controversy after a Democrat from his state came forward about his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 51, is in the running to take over Kamala Harris’s job as vice president if she defeats Donald Trump in November.
Harris has so far requested material from Shapiro as part of a vetting process involving several swing state governors that could be useful to the vice president’s efforts.
However, a Pennsylvania Democrat running in November has accused Shapiro of being involved in a cover-up, even making a shocking prediction about how he could ruin Harris’ campaign.
Erin McClelland, the Democratic candidate for Treasury secretary in the state, sparked an internal party row Tuesday night after she tweeted her support for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as Harris’ running mate.
Josh Shapiro (pictured left), the man widely considered the favorite to become Kamala Harris’ running mate, is now facing controversy after a Democrat from his state exposed his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal
“I want a vice presidential nominee who is confident enough to run second to a woman, who is comfortable with his vice presidency, who will not undermine the president in trying to influence his own election, and who will not sweep sexual harassment under the rug,” she wrote, referring to Shapiro.
“I want someone who can speak to rural voters. That’s @RoyCooperNC,” she added, referring to the only Southern governor on the list of names being checked.
After not explicitly mentioning him by name in the post, McClelland confirmed to the New York Post that she meant Shapiro.
“If I were in her situation, I would think very carefully about the difficulties that some women experience in top positions, while they have men around them who have to settle for second or third place or answer to a woman,” she said.
In 2023, Shapiro’s office quietly settled for $250,000 with a woman who had accused Mike Vereb — a legislative liaison to the governor and a decades-long ally — of sexual harassment.
Vereb did not resign until seven months after the accusation, and Shapiro faced criticism for his handling of the incident.
“It really makes me so angry that I have to stop talking because I’m saying things that I shouldn’t have said,” Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward told the Philadelphia Inquirer after Vereb’s resignation.
It’s so frustrating that [Vereb] remained in that position for months, one of the highest positions in the board.’
Erin McClelland, the Democratic nominee for treasury secretary in the state, has sparked an internal party battle after her tweet Tuesday night endorsing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as Harris’ running mate
Shapiro’s only response to the criticism was to smirk and tell people to “consider the source,” Researcher added. Ward is a Republican who often clashes with Shapiro.
Sharif Street, the chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, reacted angrily when asked about her statement.
“Look, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I will tell you that I am offended by the post,” he said.
“I feel personally offended and will have separate discussions with our candidate for treasurer,” Street added.
McClelland seemed unimpressed by the chairman’s response.
She said, “Someone is offended by a woman with a strong opinion. It drives me crazy.”
Additionally, McClelland supported Cooper because she believes he represents everything Shapiro is not.
I don’t think he would undercut the price [Harris]“He’s good at public education, and that’s an issue that I care about,” she said.
McClelland said Shapiro could potentially undermine Harris as president
McClelland endorsed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (pictured) because she believes he represents everything Shapiro is not.
DailyMail.com has contacted Shapiro’s office for comment.
Shapiro’s name is often mentioned because he is seen as a Democrat with a bright political future and a potential candidate for the White House.
The governor of the state where the election is still uncertain was among the first Democratic leaders to oppose replacing Biden after his failed debate performance, but it is not yet clear whether he will join Harris.
He endorsed Harris on Sunday, not long after Biden’s announcement.
“I have known Kamala Harris for almost 20 years. We are both prosecutors, we are both committed to the rule of law, we have both fought for the people and achieved results,” the attorney said in a statement.
“Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support. She will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance true freedom.”
The Keystone State governor said the best path forward for the Democratic Party is to “quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency.”
He promised that he would do everything he could to elect Harris as the next president.
Cooper won his state in two elections, while Trump won it in the presidential race. Now he is term-limited and preparing to leave office. He endorsed Harris on Sunday.
Putting him on the Democratic presidential ticket could bring North Carolina closer to the Democrats. He has also appeared frequently on the campaign trail with Biden and Harris.