HARRISBURG, Pa. — President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election has made Vice President Kamala Harris the Democrats’ heir apparent and opened a fury of speculation about who might replace the veep on the ticket.
For many, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is at or near the top of the list. The popular first-term governor now appears to have at least one key supporter in his state.
Joanna McClinton, Pennsylvania’s Democratic statehouse speaker, replied to Shapiro’s endorsement of Harris via tweet Sunday night with a simple hashtag and four emojis: “#HarrisShapiro2024.”
McClinton, 41, has represented Pennsylvania’s 191st district — which includes parts of southwest Philadelphia and the borough of Yeadon in eastern Delaware County — in Harrisburg since 2015. She is the first woman to serve as Pennsylvania House of Representatives speaker.
McClinton was joined by another Democratic House member, Jordan A. Harris, in her support of Shapiro for vice president. Harris, 40, represents Pennsylvania’s 186th legislative district, comprising parts of South and West Philadelphia.
“The road to the White House comes through Pa and I’m rocking with VP @KamalaHarris for President,” Jordan Harris tweeted Sunday night. “Also, when it comes to a pick for VP look no further than my Governor @JoshShapiroPA as he gets things done.”
Shapiro, 51, served as Pennsylvania attorney general from 2017 to 2023. His leadership during the repair of a collapsed Interstate 95 bridge in Philadelphia last year received widespread acclaim.
Although Shapiro’s legislative skills are less tested than his crisis leadership, he has expressed willingness to work across the aisle on budget issues such as public-school funding — frustrating lawmakers in his own party at times.
The governor has also largely avoided scandals, though a Pennsylvania Senate committee subpoenaed a member of his cabinet earlier this month for failing to produce tax records.
Much has also been made of Shapiro’s Jewish faith — something CNN anchor John King said would make him a risky pick for Democrats. Shapiro would be the first Jewish candidate ever on a major-party ticket if chosen to run with Harris.
Shapiro has downplayed any national political aspirations so far, stressing repeatedly that he remains focused on leading Pennsylvania.