Campaign spokesmen for Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly confirmed to media outlets Wednesday that the candidate intends to share a Philadelphia stage with her vice presidential nominee on Tuesday.
The Harris campaign’s reported plan for Harris to announce her vice presidential nominee on Tuesday comes as Governor Josh Shapiro, who is serving his first term as Pennsylvania’s governor, is reportedly among the top names considered by Harris to complete her ticket ahead of the Democratic Party’s convention in August.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Harris campaign confirmed her appearance in Philadelphia will be the first in a “tour through swing states with her vice presidential pick.”
The news comes less than one week after Shapiro was reported by ABC News to be among the “leading VP candidates,” with the vetting process already underway.
Shapiro immediately supported Harris when it became apparent she would run for the White House in lieu of her boss.
The potential selection of Shapiro, who is Jewish, could ease concerns among some voters over Harris’ prior statements regarding the war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza but could also alienate Muslim voters in Michigan, including activists who suggested the governor would be an unacceptable choice.
Additionally, ahead of Shaprio’s possible selection to complete Harris’ ticket, last week, the Freedom Foundation filed three complaints alleging that the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) illegally contributed $1.5 million from teachers union dues that went to aid the governor’s campaign in 2022.
Though the significance of Harris’ decision to begin the tour in Pennsylvania could be evidence its governor will become the party’s nominee for vice president, The Inquirer noted the battleground state tour includes Arizona, the home of U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, who is also reportedly among the names considered for Harris’ running mate.
While Kelly did not rule out the possibility of serving as Harris’ vice presidential running mate in a Wednesday interview with MNSBC, he told the outlet that he plans to remain in Arizona next week.
The vice president’s swing state campaign tour will also reportedly include Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada.
Harris announced she secured the necessary support from Democratic delegates to become the party’s presidential nominee shortly after President Joe Biden called off his bid for a second term in the White House on July 20.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Kamala Harris and Josh Shapiro” by Kamala Harris.Â
