The man seen by many as the front-runner to be Kamala Harris’ running mate is now facing controversy after a fellow Democrat from his state pointed out his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, is in the running to fill Kamala Harris’ vice presidential seat if she defeats Donald Trump in November.
Harris has so far requested materials from Shapiro as part of a vetting process that includes several governors in key states who could be an asset to the vice president’s efforts.
However, one Pennsylvania Democrat who will be on the ballot this November is accusing Shapiro of being involved in a cover-up and even made a shocking prediction about how it could ruin Harris’ campaign.
Erin McClelland, the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, has sparked an internal party fight after her Tuesday night tweet endorsing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to be Harris’ running mate.
Josh Shapiro (pictured left), the man seen by many as the front-runner to be Kamala Harris’ running mate, is now facing controversy after a fellow Democrat from his state pointed out his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal.
“I want a VP pick who is safe enough to run second to a woman, who is happy to be VP and who doesn’t undermine the president to rig her own pick and who doesn’t sweep sexual harassment under the rug,” she wrote, referring to Shapiro.
“I want someone who can speak to rural voters. That’s @RoyCooperNC,” he added, referring to the only Southern governor on the list of names being considered.
After not naming him explicitly in the post, McClelland confirmed to The New York Post which was referring to Shapiro.
“If I were in her situation, I would think very strongly about the difficulties some women experience when they are in a senior position and have men around them who have to settle for being second, third or answerable to a woman,” she said.
In 2023, Shapiro’s office reached a quiet $250,000 settlement with a woman who had accused Mike Vereb — a legislative liaison to the governor and ally for decades — of sexual harassment.
Vereb did not resign until seven months after the allegation was made and Shapiro was criticized for his handling of the incident.
“It really makes me so angry that I have to stop talking because I’ll say things I shouldn’t,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. The Philadelphia Inquirer after Vereb’s resignation.
“It is outrageous that (Vereb) has remained in that position for months, one of the highest in the administration.”
Erin McClelland, the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, has sparked a feud within the party after her Tuesday night tweet endorsing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to be Harris’ running mate.
Shapiro’s only response to the criticism was to smile and tell people to “consider the source.” Investigator Ward is a Republican who frequently clashes with Shapiro, he added.
Sharif Street, chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, bristled when asked about his statement.
“Look, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I will tell you that I feel offended by the publication,” he said.
“I feel personally offended and will speak to our treasurer candidate separately,” Street added.
McClelland did not seem bothered by the president’s response.
She said: “Anyone would be offended by a woman with such a strong opinion. I was stunned.”
McClelland also supported Cooper because she believes he represents everything Shapiro is not.
“I don’t think he’s going to undermine[Harris]. He’s a good candidate on public education, which is an issue that’s important to me,” she said.
McClelland said Shapiro could potentially undermine Harris’ presidency
McClelland endorsed North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (pictured) because she believes he represents everything Shapiro is not.
DailyMail.com has contacted Shapiro’s office for comment.
Shapiro’s name often comes up as a Democrat with a bright political future and possible White House aspirations.
The governor of the battleground state was one of the first Democratic leaders to oppose replacing Biden following his shaky debate performance, but it is unclear whether he would join Harris’ ticket.
He expressed his support for Harris on Sunday, shortly after Biden’s announcement.
“I have known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we have both been prosecutors, we have both defended the rule of law, we have both fought for the people and delivered results,” he said in a statement.
‘Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real 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 he would do everything he could to help elect Harris as the next president.
Cooper won his state in two elections, while Trump won the state in the presidential race. He is now term-limited and preparing to leave office. On Sunday, he endorsed Harris.
His addition to the Democratic presidential ticket could bring North Carolina closer to the Democrats. He has also frequently appeared with Biden and Harris on the campaign trail.