The Case for and Against Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harris Considers Her VP Pick

It’s no secret that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was a grave contender to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. But what are the considerations behind that decision?

Harris’ campaign is looking for a candidate who would best complement the Democratic coalition. Several factors could work for or against Shapiro — and some could go either way.

Reasons Shapiro might be the pick

✅ Pennsylvania is a key swing state

Pennsylvania is a key part of the path to the White House, and Shapiro has proof he can win in the swing state. He won more votes than presidential candidates in Pennsylvania in both the 2016 attorney general election and the 2020 gubernatorial election.

He has proven to be a skilled fundraiser, has maintained high approval ratings in the state and has been able to attract independents and Republicans. Still, it’s not clear what influence a vice presidential candidate has on the election in his home state.

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

✅ Josh Shapiro is not taking on Donald Trump for the first time

Shapiro and Harris could use their experience as attorneys general to distinguish themselves from former President Donald Trump, who in May became the first former president to be convicted of criminal charges.

As attorney general, Shapiro has been a consistent opponent of Trump. He joined several state attorneys general to oppose Trump’s travel ban and defended Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results against attacks and lawsuits. Just this week in Philadelphia, Shapiro criticized Trump and his vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, during a call with reporters.

” READ MORE: Why the Thought of Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential Runner Is Rattling the Pennsylvania Republican Party

Reasons Shapiro might not be the pick

✖️Shapiro is open to school vouchers

Shapiro worked with Republicans to reach a compromise on vouchers, also known as school choice, which the Democratic Party opposes. Vouchers provide parents with state funds to send their children to private schools, and Shapiro has said he supports them if they are approved along with increased funding for public education. Still, the state’s two largest teachers unions are backing Shapiro for vice president, even though they oppose vouchers.

” READ MORE: Some public education advocates oppose Harris’ vice presidential candidacy over Josh Shapiro because he supports education vouchers

✖️ He was criticized for his handling of sexual assault allegations against his former assistant

Political scandal casts shadow over Shapiro’s term surrounds Mike Vereb, one of his top aides and closest allies, who abruptly resigned from his administration in September. Vereb’s resignation came three weeks after the Shapiro administration quietly agreed to pay $295,000 to settle claims by an employee in the governor’s office who said Vereb repeatedly made sexual advances on her and often spoke openly — and lewdly — about her, other staff members and a state senator.

Shapiro has been criticized by female lawmakers for his silence on the matter. His administration has described it as a private personnel matter and said it “takes allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously.”

Harris, who would be the nation’s first female president, has already signaled she’ll run against Trump, who has been accused of abusing women. Vereb’s baggage may not be something the campaign wants to take with it.

” READ MORE: How Josh Shapiro’s aide’s sexual harassment scandal could affect Pennsylvania governor’s vice presidential chances

Reasons that could go one way or the other

❓Shapiro is uncompromisingly pro-Israeli

Shapiro, the state’s third Jewish governor, has been a staunch supporter of Israel, although he has openly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “failed leader.”

Shapiro has faced backlash from progressives for his stance against pro-Palestinian protests, so adding him to the ticket could discourage left-wing voters who are passionate about the issue. On the other hand, adding Shapiro to the ticket could undermine Republican efforts to portray Harris as feeble in her support for Israel and appease pro-Israel voters who are frustrated by the progressive backlash in the party.

Being pro-Israel is not uncommon among candidates for the nomination, but Shapiro has found himself in the spotlight on the issue. Some say he has been unfairly singled out for the spotlight because he is Jewish.

” READ MORE: Will Josh Shapiro’s stance on Israel help or hurt Kamala Harris’ candidacy?

❓Ambition

Shapiro is known to have presidential aspirations, which could work against him as Harris seeks someone to share the limelight with. Shapiro has never lost an election, but he has burned a few allies along the way. Like many politicians of his ilk, he relishes the limelight and gravitates toward leadership positions.

” READ MORE: Josh Shapiro’s rise wasn’t a fluke. Just ask those who helped him get there — or felt betrayed along the way.

“The biggest concern about him is that he won’t be able to handle himself on the sidelines,” a Democratic Party source said.

But Shapiro didn’t turn down the offer to become second-in-command.