Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Faces Sexual Harassment Scandal as Kamala Harris Considers Him for Vice President Position in November’s Election

Stephen M. Lepore from Dailymail.com reports that Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, a prominent candidate for Vice President under Kamala Harris, is embroiled in a startling sexual harassment controversy.

At 51, Shapiro is considered a serious contender for the VP spot if Harris emerges victorious over Donald Trump in November.

Harris has been gathering materials from various governors, including Shapiro, as part of her vetting process. This includes several key governors from swing states who could potentially bolster her campaign.

However, a Pennsylvania Democrat, Erin McClelland, has ignited a firestorm within the party by accusing Shapiro of being involved in a cover-up.

McClelland, who is running for state treasurer, publicly endorsed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper as Harris’ ideal running mate in a tweet on Tuesday night.

McClelland’s tweet criticized Shapiro indirectly, suggesting that the VP should be someone who is secure and supportive, rather than undermining the President or ignoring serious issues like sexual harassment.

She confirmed to the New York Post that her comments were aimed at Shapiro. Her tweet has sparked significant debate within the Democratic Party.

Past Allegations

The controversy centers around a $250,000 settlement Shapiro’s office made in 2023 with a woman who accused Mike Vereb, a legislative liaison and long-time ally of Shapiro, of sexual harassment.

Vereb did not resign until seven months after the allegations were made, leading to criticism of Shapiro’s handling of the situation.

Reactions and Support

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward expressed frustration over the handling of Vereb’s case, stating that it was infuriating that he remained in his position for so long.

Shapiro’s response to the criticism was dismissive, simply advising people to “consider the source.”

Sharif Street, chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, was also upset by McClelland’s remarks, though McClelland seemed unfazed, responding to the backlash with a touch of sarcasm.

She endorsed Cooper for his perceived strength and commitment, contrasting him with Shapiro’s shortcomings.

Shapiro’s Position and Future

Despite the scandal, Shapiro continues to support Harris, emphasizing their shared history and commitment to the rule of law.

He has been vocal about uniting behind Harris and focusing on winning the presidency.

Shapiro, often mentioned as a future presidential candidate himself, has endorsed Harris and pledged to help her win.

As Shapiro’s name remains prominent in Democratic circles, it remains uncertain if he would join a Harris ticket. Meanwhile, Cooper’s endorsement of Harris could help make North Carolina a more competitive state for Democrats, given his successful track record and strong presence on the campaign trail.