Pennsylvania Labor Leaders Endorse Gov. Josh Shapiro to Runner Up Kamala Harris for Vice President

More than 50 Pennsylvania labor leaders have signed a letter endorsing Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is still being considered as a potential vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris.

Major political players expressed support for Shapiro in a letter sent to their “Democratic brothers and sisters.”

“As the only governor in the nation with a divided legislature, Governor Shapiro knows better than anyone that we don’t have to agree on every issue to move forward,” the letter, first reported by NBC News, reads.

Notably, at least two of the state’s largest teachers’ unions—the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of Teachers—have signed on. Both unions oppose Shapiro’s stance on vouchers but thanked him for his leadership in increasing funding for public education.

The more than 50 organizations that expressed their support included leaders of IBEW Local 98, the Philadelphia Building Trades Council and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.

“Recent history has taught us that even among our brothers and sisters at work, we do not always agree on policy,” the union leaders wrote. “That is why it is more important than ever that we elevate elected officials whose leadership can unite our democratic coalition and remind us that, above all else, we share a vision for a fairer, stronger, more inclusive Commonwealth and country.”

“Governor Shapiro stands with us every day to fight for this vision, and despite the confusion, we remain united by our shared interest in protecting working people and investing in workers, families, and communities,” the letter reads.

Most Pennsylvania Democrats endorsed Shapiro and began openly campaigning for him to be Harris’ vice presidential candidate once President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris. The Philadelphia Democratic Party took the unusual step of endorsing Shapiro for vice president earlier this week.

There were some critics, however: The Democratic candidate for state treasurer is endorsing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, while a group of public education advocates pleaded with Harris not to pick Shapiro over his openness to vouchers.

Shapiro has neither confirmed nor denied his interest in the job, consistently saying Harris is a personal decision. He is a popular first-term governor in a key battleground state and is one of several candidates being vetted as potential running mates for Harris.

A spokesman for Shapiro declined to comment.