A recent tweet from a Democrat has created quite a buzz, with speculation swirling that Vice President Kamala Harris might have chosen Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate.
On Friday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stirred up confusion with a tweet that read, “Proud to be back with so many leaders from across our region supporting @KamalaHarris for President and @JoshShapiroP for VP!” She also shared a video showcasing recent press conferences, ending with the phrase, “Josh Shapiro for Vice President.”
Journalist Ernest Owens reported that the tweet might have been scheduled for a Monday release but accidentally went out early.
Despite the confusion, sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the tweet was merely an endorsement and a show of support for Shapiro, not an official announcement.
“This is not an announcement of anything.
This is just the mayor showing her support for a longtime friend who we know is one of the people being considered,” a source clarified.
Josh Shapiro is indeed considered a top contender for the VP spot and has undergone vetting by Harris’ campaign.
Over the weekend, he canceled several planned fundraisers in the Hamptons, but his team provided no indication that this was related to the VP selection.
“Governor Shapiro’s trip was planned weeks ago and included fundraisers for his own campaign committee,” spokesperson Manuel Bonder explained to DailyMail.com. “His schedule has changed, and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend.”
Harris’ Upcoming Announcement
Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate early next week.
The chosen candidate will join her on a tour across seven swing states. A key indicator of Shapiro’s potential selection is that the Democratic ticket’s first stop will be in Philadelphia.
Following their Philadelphia visit, Harris and her running mate will travel to western Wisconsin, Detroit, Raleigh, Savannah, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Pennsylvania’s Electoral Importance
Former President Donald Trump needs to win Pennsylvania to have a shot at the election. He secured the state in 2016 against Democrat Hillary Clinton but lost it to President Joe Biden in 2020.
Adding Shapiro to the ticket could strengthen Harris’ position in Pennsylvania, especially in the conservative western part of the state, where Shapiro outperformed Biden in the 2022 race.
Shapiro also performed well in the suburban and exurban areas around Philadelphia, which could be crucial for securing the state’s vote.