Dem VP hopeful Josh Shapiro accused of covering up sexual harassment allegations: report

On Tuesday, Erin McClelland, a Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania treasurer, endorsed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for the vice-presidential slot, but made mention in the post that she didn’t want Harris to have a VP pick who “sweep[s] sexual harassment under the rug.”

“I want a VP pick that's secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP & won't undermine the President to maneuver his own election & doesn't sweep sexual harassment under the rug,” McClelland wrote. While she didn't name Shapiro directly, McClelland confirmed to the New York Post that her comments were about the Pennsylvania governor.

"If I were in her situation, I would think very strongly about the difficulties that some women experience being in a top-level position, and having men around them that have to be satisfied with being second, third or answering to a woman,'” she told the outlet.

In 2023, Mike Vereb, a legislative liaison to Shapiro, was accused of sexual harassment. Shapiro's office settled with the woman for $295,000, and Vereb resigned months later, amid criticism of Shapiro’s handling of the situation.

Despite the scandal, Shapiro is considered a strong vice-presidential candidate due to Pennsylvania's pivotal role as a swing state. Harris has reportedly begun vetting several governors from swing states to bolster her election bid, mirroring Donald Trump's selection of JD Vance as his running mate to appeal to Rust Belt voters.

Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, Shapiro quickly endorsed Harris. “I've known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we've both been prosecutors, we've both stood up for the rule of law, we've both fought for the people and delivered results,” Shapiro said in a statement.

While Shapiro continues to be a heavily favored option for VP, concerns have also been raised within the Democratic Party about selecting him because he is Jewish, which could conflict with the party’s pro-Palestine base.