Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden as the party’s nominee, saying she is “ready to be president.”
Shapiro’s campaign released his statement touting Harris and calling for party unity after he spoke with Biden and Harris.
The governor began by saying the American people “have been tested” over the nation’s 248-year history, “but the American spirit has always triumphed.”
Whenever the United States has faced threats, Shapiro said, “Americans have found ways to come together and united behind common cause and common purpose. That’s the lesson of our founders who gathered in Pennsylvania two-and-a-half centuries ago – and it’s the lesson our Party must learn from now.”
Shapiro said he has known Harris, like him a former state attorney general, for nearly 20 years.
“Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support, and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom,” he said. “She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.”
Shapiro urged the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris and focus on winning the presidential race.
“The contract in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania – where this collective work began,” said Shapiro, vowing to “do everything I can” to get Harris elected.
Shapiro’s statement quashes rampant speculation that he would possibly seek the party’s nomination at its convention next month in Chicago, but will do little to quell rumors that he’s a vice presidential candidate for Harris.
Two other governors frequently mentioned as presidential contenders, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, do not plan on challenging Harris for the presidential nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago next month, CBS News’ Robert Costa reported.
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Source: Berkshire mont