Gov. Josh Shapiro canceled his weekend fundraisers in the Hamptons days before Vice President Kamala Harris was expected to name her running mate, Fox News reported. Many believe that the Pennsylvania Democrat is on her short list of potential candidates.
The governor was scheduled for a series of fundraisers in the wealthy Long Island seaside region. One of the upscale events was dubbed a "summer soiree" featuring Shapiro as the "special guest" meant to raise money for The Next 50, a left-leaning political action group.
Shapiro's office has not released an explanation for the change announced Thursday. "The governor’s trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee," Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder said.
"His schedule has changed, and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend," Bonder added. Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick at a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
While many are enthusiastic about Shapiro, a scandal in his office could become a stumbling block to his future. The National Women’s Defense League has slammed Shapiro for his handling of a scandal involving former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb.
In September 2023, Vereb was forced to step down over claims of sexual misconduct, including unwelcome sexual advances toward an employee in Shaprio's office. The administration settled the claim for $295,000.
NWDL Director Emma Davidson Tribbs said in a statement that the governor "should have done a better job at preventing sexual harassment" and "protecting the survivor who bravely came forward." Tribbs added that the situation should give Harris pause in naming Shapiro as her pick.
Tribbs implored Harris and the Democrats "to consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the Pennsylvania Governor’s office," the statement said. "The American people deserve to know that, if called to a higher office, Governor Shapiro will do more to ensure the safety and dignity of employees, volunteers, and constituents in his office."
Bonder dismissed those concerns about Shapiro in a statement to Fox News. "Although the Commonwealth does not comment on specific personnel matters, it takes allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously," the spokesman said.
Despite the issue raised by the NWDL, Shapiro is the most likely pick at this point, according to Axios. Shapiro canceling his fundraisers is a major indicator, but there are other indicators that point to him as her pick.
Shapiro is the governor of the Keystone State, a key battleground state Harris will need to win for its 19 Electoral College votes. He is a popular governor with a 61% approval rating, which will also raise Harris' stock in Pennsylvania.
There were also reports that Harris's vetting team met with Shapiro just the day before he pulled out of his stops in the Hamptons. The team met with others, but Shapiro is considered the top choice among experts.
Wall Street has also signaled its confidence in her pick. High-value donors were urged to send funds this week to avoid any appearance of pay-to-play should Shapiro be named vice president later.
Harris must pick someone stable and popular enough to overcome her myriad shortcomings. Shapiro may be her best bet after all, but nothing is definite until she makes her announcement next week.
