Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania Speculated as Potential Running Mate for Kamala Harris in 2024

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania is being speculated as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Elected as governor in 2022, Shapiro has been included in the Harris campaign’s vetting process, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

His candidacy is notable because Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, played a significant role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, and Shapiro’s Jewish background is seen as a potential asset for Harris in appealing to Jewish voters.

Commentators suggest that Shapiro could help bolster Harris’s ticket, especially in light of her recent criticisms of Israeli policies. In March, Harris’s speech on Gaza was reportedly toned down by the White House, leading to speculation that her stance on Israel could impact her campaign.

Furthermore, Harris will not be attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, choosing instead to attend a prior engagement, which some view as an effort to navigate criticism regarding her stance on Israel.

Alex Zeldin of The Forward argued that Shapiro’s presence on the ticket could counteract perceptions of Harris being hostile to Israel. Zeldin noted that Shapiro’s strong Jewish identity and vocal stance against antisemitism might mitigate concerns among Jewish voters.

Shapiro has been critical of Israeli leadership, specifically accusing Netanyahu of failing to address security risks, a position that aligns with some of Harris’s own views on Israel.

The issue of Gaza and Israel’s role remains contentious among Democrats, particularly those on the left, who are essential to Harris’s campaign.

Political analysts suggest that while Shapiro’s selection could enhance Harris’s appeal to Jewish voters, it might complicate her efforts to attract younger and progressive voters who are concerned with the Gaza conflict. This demographic may have mixed reactions to Shapiro’s potential candidacy.

Shapiro would be the second Jewish vice-presidential candidate from a major party if chosen, following Joe Lieberman in 2000. Despite this historical aspect, some critics argue that Shapiro’s religion might not offer the electoral balance Harris needs.

His selection could potentially overshadow other candidates, such as Senator Mark Kelly or Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who also bring significant advantages from key swing states.

Mark Shanahan, a political scientist, notes that while Shapiro has strong credentials, his Jewish identity might complicate the campaign’s strategy.

Given that Shapiro would join Harris, who has a Jewish husband, there are concerns about whether this could impact the broader appeal of the ticket. Alternative candidates like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear might offer a more balanced choice, especially in targeting younger voters and addressing the Gaza issue more effectively.