Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Governor, has emerged as the leading figure in the race to become Kamala Harris’ vice president pick.
Harris became the likely Democratic presidential nomination after Joe Biden renounced his intention to run for a second term as President.
Biden Drop Out
Biden dropped out of the presidential race not long after an underwhelming debate performance at the end of June.
Immediately after the debate he was bullish about continuing on, saying that “I’m the nominee of the Democratic Party. No one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving.”
Passing the Torch
Biden did, however, eventually cede his position as the Democratic nominee, paving the way for his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take up the nomination.
Although the position is not yet official, she is expected to be the presidential nominee put forward for the Democratic Party at the upcoming election.
Vice Presidential Void
Harris’ promotion to presidential candidate, rather than vice presidential candidate, means there is space for a new name on the ticket.
Several names have been put forward in recent weeks, including the Pennsylvania state governor, Josh Shapiro.
Who is Josh Shapiro?
Josh Shapiro is the current governor of Pennsylvania, his state of birth, a position he took up in January 2023.
He is a career politician, having studied Political Science at the University of Rochester, and served as Pennsylvania Attorney General for 6 years.
Bookies Favorite
Several betting sites recently put Shapiro as their favorite as Harris’ vice presidential pick.
US bookmakers can not take bets for US political races but Bet365, a British bookmaker, and other bookmakers, recently placed Shapiro as the clear favorite.
Shapiro Strengths
Shapiro brings with him a number of advantages as part of a Harris-Shapiro presidential ticket for the Democrats.
One of those advantages is his popularity in Pennsylvania, which may prove a key swing state in the upcoming election.
Battle-Worn Trump Combatant
Shapiro is a regular opponent of Donald Trump, who he would face off against in the race for the presidency, were he to get on the ticket.
As State Attorney, he opposed Trump’s travel bans, and, more recently, has spoken out against both Trump and Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, publicly.
Unfettered Ambition
One potential mark against Shapiro is his ambition. He has mentioned in the past of his intention, one day, to run for the presidency, and he may not be fully content in the sidekick role.
An insider spoke of this ambition recently: “The no. 1 concern with him—he is not gonna be fine off to the side.”
Choice Must Be Made Soon
Harris is likely to make her pick by mid-week next week, and has a list of potential candidates aside from Shapiro, in the running.
Other front-runners include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
