PHILADELPHIA — The Democratic vice presidential election concluded Tuesday with Vice President Kamala Harris naming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris chose Walz over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a candidate for the position who was also vetted by Harris and her campaign. The up-to-date vice presidential candidates will campaign together for the first time at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
to meWhile many Pennsylvania Democrats have publicly supported Shapiro for the role, most of them spoke positively of Walz on Tuesday.
Shapiro called Walz “an exceptionally strong addition to the slate” and pledged to support Democratic candidates across Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.
Former Pennsylvania Democratic congressman Patrick Murphy, a U.S. Army veteran, served in Congress with Walz and shared an apartment in Washington when they were first elected. Walz served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019 before being elected governor. He is also a former social studies teacher and Army National Guard veteran.
“I spoke to Tim Walz last week and texted him today — my former roommate is just a Great American, a former high school football coach who was sent overseas after 9/11, and he’s the type of next-generation leader that our nation needs,” Murphy told the Capital-Star. He said he will attend the rally Tuesday night.
Other Democrats who have endorsed Shapiro as a potential vice president expressed support for Walz on Tuesday. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is running for state auditor general, he posted a photo to social media showing Walz holding a piglet, adding that he looks forward to seeing Walz “at every Pennsylvania State Fair his schedule allows.”
Kenyatta, a staunch supporter of Shapiro, he said in a social media post that Harris had only good choices when it came to her runs, thanks to the deep bench of Democratic candidates. “But more importantly, Harris-Walz is a ticket that is poised to win,” he said.
Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh), another Shapiro supporter, said in social media post On Tuesday, he said he would “walk through a wall to win the election,” adding that “on a selfish level” he was glad Shapiro was staying in Pennsylvania “to serve the people of Pennsylvania.”
Shapiro thanks Harris for considering him for vice president, praises Walz
But not everyone in Pennsylvania politics was supportive of Shapiro’s vice presidential bid. Erin McClelland, the Democratic candidate for state treasurer, recently made some pointed comments on social media expressing support for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who withdrew from consideration for the vice presidential nomination early in the process. She did not mention Shapiro directly, but Published On July 23, she said she wanted a vice president “who will not undermine the president in order to manipulate his elections and will not sweep sexual harassment issues under the rug.”
On Tuesday, McClelland told the Capital-Star, “I think Kamala Harris is a very intelligent, politically astute woman, and I think she made the best choice for her presidency,” adding that he supports and respects the ticket. “I think we can really win this thing moving forward with this team.”
Asked about her earlier comments that appeared critical of Shapiro, McClelland said she has a history of criticizing sexual harassment in the workplace and intends to continue to do so.
As he was being considered for vice president alongside Harris, concerns began to emerge about Shapiro’s handling of sexual harassment allegations made last year against his top adviser, Mike Vereb. The National Women’s Defense League said last week that Shapiro’s administration “should have done a better job of preventing sexual harassment in his own office” and asked Harris to consider the issue in her decision.
Women’s group urges Harris to reconsider Shapiro’s handling of sexual harassment complaint against assistant
“This problem existed in government long before Josh Shapiro became governor, and if we don’t fix it, it will exist long after,” McClelland said.
McClelland’s Republican opponent, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, said in a statement Tuesday that while she disagrees with Shapiro on policy issues, “no Pennsylvanian should fail take offense at the vile and unjustified attacks directed at him by some members of his own party and even a member of his party’s statewide ballot,” a clear reference to McClelland.
“His support for democracy in the Middle East and his choice for education for families trapped in failing public schools are core positions,” Garrity added. “It is regrettable that in a state known for moderation and common decency, the governor’s greatest enemies have turned out to be members of his own party.”
State Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) said she believes Walz is a “fantastic choice” who will aid the Harris campaign balance the divide between urban and rural voters, something she said Democratic campaigns sometimes lack.
Shapiro has the shortest record of serving as governor and “made some serious mistakes” in handling the allegations against Vereb, Kinkead said. Despite Shapiro’s criticism, Kinkead said she hopes Shapiro accomplishes more as governor.
“I would like to see universal school meals and many other things that Governor Walz and Governor [Gretchen] Whitmer did this so we could actually bring Pennsylvania up to par with other states,” Kinkead said. “I think there’s a lot to learn about how Vice President Harris actually chose her running mate. I think that sends a message about the path we should be on if we want to run for higher office.”
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick participated in a panel discussion Tuesday morning with the Jewish community and he said that “it’s hard to imagine that Josh’s strong stance on Israel and his Jewish background didn’t influence the decision in some way.”
Casey, who has publicly endorsed Shapiro for vice president, on Tuesday praised Walz as a “committed and capable public servant.” He added that “the path to a Senate majority and the White House runs through Pennsylvania,” noting the race he is in with McCormick. “Governor Shapiro is an exemplary leader for our party and our Commonwealth, and I am grateful that our entire ticket will have his forceful support to make sure we win here in 2024,” Casey said in a statement.
Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-7th District) praised Walz for understanding issues significant to Democrats.
“As a veteran, educator, and parent through the miracle of in vitro fertilization, Tim Walz understands the stakes of this election,” Wild said. “He is more than ready to serve as vice president, working hard to protect our democracy, protect reproductive rights, and ensure access to affordable health care. I look forward to supporting the full Democratic caucus.”
US Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-6th District) said she did some research on Walz after Harris’ announcement and was excited to learn she has a lot in common with the Minnesota governor as a veteran and educator. Houlahan is an Air Force veteran and taught science in Philadelphia schools.
Walz brings the experience of a long legislative career with a forceful bipartisan voting record to the Democratic ticket, she said, and has “a depth of experience and depth of character that stands in stark contrast” to the GOP vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.
“I think it would resonate in a purple place like Pennsylvania,” Houlahan said. “People here are very pragmatic and don’t necessarily support one party or the other.”
Houlahan added that the fact that Democrats quickly endorsed Harris “bodes well for the next 90 days and the Harris administration.”
Co-authored by Ian Karbal from Capital-Star Team
Update: This story was updated at 4:40 p.m. on August 6, 2024 to include additional commentary.
