Josh Shapiro campaigned for Harris in Carlisle, but has not commented on his prospects for vice president

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, riding on Democratic momentum, mobilized supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally Saturday in south-central Pennsylvania.

Shapiro is benefiting from nationwide Democratic fervor — as well as personal support as one of Harris’ potential vice presidential running mates. He has neither confirmed nor denied his interest in the role, and it has been reported that he is one of several candidates in the race. Dozens of Pennsylvania Democrats have endorsed Shapiro for vice president, and the Philadelphia Democratic Party took the unusual step of endorsing him for second place.

” READ MORE: Josh Shapiro Gains Prominence as Vice President Predicts Landmark Pennsylvania Victory Against Weak Opponent

The Harris campaign event was originally a canvassing launch for supporters to prepare to knock on voters’ doors or go on phone calls, but it grew into a 300-person rally led by Shapiro in a county that former President Donald Trump won by 10 points in 2020.

Shapiro, in his acceptance speech, focused on the differences he sees between Trump and the vice president, as well as the long list of Democratic ideals Harris will defend.

“Every step of the way, Kamala Harris has fought for freedom. She has fought for opportunity and she has delivered results,” Shapiro told the crowd, already waving Harris campaign signs less than a week after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. “I’ll tell you what, that’s a hell of a contrast to the guy she’s running against.”

Harris’ campaign said it has registered 8,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania since Sunday, which it said shows a new surge in emotion in the race.

Several rally attendees said they felt a new energy since Harris took over as presumptive nominee.

Bailey Clayville, 14, of Carlisle, came to the rally with her mother, Sarah Clayville, 48, a public school teacher. Both said they support Biden but are excited to see Harris become the first female president.

Bailey Clayville said her peers are excited even though they can’t vote. She still plans to knock on doors with her mom for Harris and would make a “Kamala is a brat” T-shirt if they had more time. Brat is an album by pop artist Charli XCX that has become a tool for generating online enthusiasm among young people.

“I’m surprised more of my friends aren’t here,” Bailey Clayville added.

Kathy Sundberg, a 73-year-old from Mechanicsburg, said Harris will be more successful than Hillary Clinton, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate in the 2016 election.

“I think Hillary felt she had to be dignified and like the men, and she couldn’t show her personality,” Sundberg added. “Harris comes at them straight. That’s what I love.”

Several participants also said they love Shapiro and don’t want him to leave Pennsylvania so early in his first term. But they would be happy if he were elected vice president.

“In a way, no. [want to lose him]”said Alan Vandersloot, 74, of Carlisle, who was wearing a 2022 Shapiro Squad jersey. “But if [Harris] decides it’s the best choice, we’re all for it.”

” READ MORE: Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer to Campaign for Harris in Montco Next Week

Shapiro did not take questions or comment on whether he would become the nation’s second-most powerful official. He has previously said Harris must make a “deeply personal” decision about who her vice presidential running mate should be, and that the decision should be free from outside pressure.