PITTSBURGH — On Monday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed ongoing speculation concerning his potential candidacy as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, in the wake of President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Although Shapiro refrained from explicitly confirming or denying discussions about the vice-presidential role with Harris, he did not dismiss the possibility should it arise. Speaking at a news conference to announce nearly $400 million in Environmental Protection Agency grants for the region, Shapiro was repeatedly questioned about the prospect of joining Harris on the Democratic ticket.

In his remarks, Shapiro highlighted that Harris faces a crucial decision in selecting her running mate. “It’s a decision she needs to make, who she wants to govern with, who she wants to campaign with, and who can be there to serve alongside her,” Shapiro commented. He characterized the decision as “deeply personal,” emphasizing his confidence in Harris’s ability to make a choice that serves the American public's best interests. “She will make that decision when she is ready,” he added, affirming his trust in her judgment and process.

Asked by NBC News about the specifics of a recent conversation he had with Harris, Shapiro chose not to address directly whether the vice-presidential role was discussed. Instead, he focused on the content of their discussion, which centered on strategies to defeat former President Donald Trump and safeguard democratic freedoms in Pennsylvania. “Our conversation was all about how we beat Donald Trump and protect our freedoms here in this commonwealth,” Shapiro stated.

Repeatedly pressed on the issue, Shapiro reiterated that his endorsement of Harris and his support for her campaign were central to their dialogue. “We spoke only about defeating Donald Trump and our shared commitment to that,” he said, adding that he had immediately endorsed Harris and pledged his support for her campaign in Pennsylvania.

Following Biden’s announcement of his departure from the presidential race, Harris’s potential competitors for the nomination — including Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper — have voiced their support for Harris to assume the Democratic nomination. Whitmer and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have publicly declared their disinterest in the vice-presidential role, narrowing the field of potential candidates.

During the press conference, Shapiro lauded Harris, emphasizing their longstanding professional relationship. “We have both been prosecutors; we have both stood up for the rule of law,” Shapiro reflected, drawing on their shared experiences as state attorneys general. “We have always both been for the people. That is diametrically opposed to everything Donald Trump has stood for.”

Despite the persistent queries about his potential vice-presidential candidacy, Shapiro maintained a focus on his gubernatorial responsibilities. “I’m focused on doing my job here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” he emphasized. He further highlighted his commitment to governance through his approach of “getting s--- done,” underscoring his dedication to practical, results-oriented leadership.

In response to concerns about Biden's exit from the presidential race, Shapiro expressed strong confidence in Harris's readiness to lead. “She has been preparing for this, and she is ready to go,” he asserted. Shapiro underscored the widespread support Harris has garnered from Democrats, Republicans, and independents, who recognize the significant threat posed by Trump and the risks to democracy if he were to return to the White House. “Those folks I’ve talked to, they want to win,” Shapiro said. “And they believe Kamala Harris is our best chance to win. And I believe that, too, which is why I endorsed her immediately yesterday after the president.”

Shapiro’s commanding performance in the 2022 gubernatorial race, where he secured a resounding victory over Republican state Senator Doug Mastriano, has cemented his status as a prominent figure in Democratic circles. His effectiveness on the campaign trail, coupled with positive comparisons to Biden and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, has bolstered his profile. Additionally, his adept handling of recent events, including the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, has garnered praise from across the political spectrum.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, who also spoke at the news conference, praised Shapiro’s potential as a vice-presidential candidate. “He kind of gets all the different levels of government,” she observed, noting his extensive experience from serving in the state House, as a county commissioner, attorney general, and now as governor. Innamorato highlighted Shapiro’s comprehensive understanding of governmental functions and his ability to translate that into effective program implementation. “Having that perspective of all levels of government to think about how you move money and make programs a reality for people on the ground so they can actually be transformative, that is a unique experience that he has that I think would really lend itself to being a great vice president,” she concluded.

In summary, while Governor Shapiro did not confirm specific discussions about a vice-presidential role with Kamala Harris, he expressed steadfast support for her candidacy and emphasized his dedication to defeating Donald Trump. His extensive experience and leadership in Pennsylvania continue to make him a significant figure in Democratic considerations for the forthcoming election.