Meet Josh Shapiro: The Likely Choice for Kamala Harris' Vice Presiden

Photo: AP

Josh Shapiro: The Key Contender for Kamala Harris' Running Mate

Following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the Presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the leading Democratic candidate for the November 5 elections. As Harris positions herself for the nomination, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is a top contender for the vice-presidential slot. Betting markets have placed Shapiro as the frontrunner at 7/4 odds, with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper at 3/1 and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at 5/1.

Who Is Josh Shapiro?

1. Early Life and Education: Josh Shapiro was born on June 20, 1973, in Pennsylvania. He grew up with a mother who was an educator and a father who worked as a pediatrician. Shapiro pursued political science at the University of Rochester and earned a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He resides in Montgomery County with his wife, Lori, and their four children—three sons in school and a daughter attending the University of Pittsburgh.

2. Political Career: Shapiro's political career began in 2004 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 153rd District for eight years. From 2011 to 2017, he served as Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. He was elected Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2016 and secured reelection in 2020.

3. Achievements as Attorney General: During his tenure as Attorney General, Shapiro made significant impacts by exposing the Catholic Church’s cover-up of child sexual abuse, identifying 301 predator priests, and uncovering thousands of victims. He safeguarded healthcare access for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians, defended reproductive rights, and held over 100 corrupt officials accountable, regardless of their political affiliation. His office worked with law enforcement to tackle drug trafficking, remove illegal firearms, and support LGBTQ+ marriage rights. Shapiro also played a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, defending Pennsylvania's results in numerous court cases.

4. Ongoing Work and Impact: In January 2021, Shapiro began his second term as Attorney General. He continued to address the opioid crisis by arresting over 8,000 drug dealers and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the COVID-19 pandemic. His office secured over $328 million in relief for Pennsylvanians affected by exploitation. Shapiro has also focused on criminal justice reform, creating a database to track police misconduct and fostering collaboration between activists and law enforcement. In 2022, he achieved a historic milestone by receiving the most votes ever in a Pennsylvania governor’s race.

With these accomplishments, Josh Shapiro has emerged as a leading figure in Pennsylvania politics and is now a prominent candidate for a significant role on the national stage.