5 potential running mates for Kamala Harris

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 26, 2024

Pennsylvania Attorney General and Democratic nominee for governor Josh Shapiro speaks at a rally along with union members in front of the Smithfield United Church of Christ on September 19, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. | Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

Like Kelly, Shapiro has a history of outperforming other Democrats in a competitive swing state. Shapiro first became attorney general of Pennsylvania in 2016, even though former President Donald Trump narrowly carried the state.

Shapiro won the 2022 gubernatorial election by double digits, two years after Biden carried the state by 1.2 percentage points and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., only won by 4.9 percentage points.

Shapiro's history of strong electoral performances in Pennsylvania could catch the attention of the Harris campaign as they seek to secure Pennsylvania's 19 votes in the Electoral College.

If a Harris-Shapiro ticket is elected, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis would finish the remainder of Shapiro's term. Additionally, Shapiro would make history as the first Jewish vice president of the United States.

Shapiro highlighted the priorities of his administration in a "thank you" letter written to supporters after his victory in the 2022 gubernatorial election. Reflecting on the results, he proclaimed that "a woman's right to choose won."

"Real freedom won in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," he declared.

He described "real freedom" as "where we give people the opportunity to start a small business, to marry who you love, and to live in a Commonwealth that respects you for who you are."

Shapiro touched upon his faith in his message to supporters.

"I spoke a lot about my faith in this campaign. My family and my faith call me to service, and they drive me forward," he said. "My scripture teaches me that no one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it. Each of us has a responsibility to get off the sidelines, get in the game, and to do our part."

Shapiro, who some pundits have portrayed as a moderate Democrat, has been criticized by advocates of school choice policies that enable state funds to go to private schools of students' choosing who accused him of flipping on the issue.