One of Kamala Harris’ top potential vice presidential picks may be off the list after a women’s advocacy group called for his removal on Thursday, according to The Daily Beast. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who Axios reported last week had emerged as a contender for Harris’ VP due to his background as a former attorney general and his ability to work across the aisle in Pennsylvania’s divided government, is facing significant criticism. This criticism stems from a sexual harassment settlement within his office.
The National Women’s Defense League (NWDL) has taken issue with how Shapiro’s office handled a sexual harassment complaint against one of his advisors. Spotlight PA reported that Shapiro’s office agreed to pay $295,000 to quietly settle the complaint. As a result, The Daily Beast noted, “Shapiro is likely no longer the betting favorite to be” Harris’ running mate.
In a statement, the NWDL highlighted concerns about the vice president’s team considering Shapiro’s handling of sexual harassment complaints within his office. “Governor Shapiro’s office should have done a better job preventing sexual harassment happening in his own office by former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb,” NWDL director Emma Davidson Tribbs said. She emphasized the need for protecting survivors, ensuring they felt safe to speak up, and preventing further harm from the harasser.
The advocacy group’s statement underscores the importance of accountability and proper handling of harassment allegations. They called for Harris’ team to reconsider Shapiro as a potential vice-presidential candidate, stressing the implications of his administration’s actions on survivors of harassment.
The Daily Beast also reported that Shapiro’s spokesperson, Manuel Bonder, defended the administration’s procedures. “The governor and his administration take every allegation of discrimination and harassment extremely seriously and have robust procedures in place to thoroughly investigate all reports,” Bonder stated to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
As Harris continues to consider her vice-presidential options, the scrutiny of Shapiro’s record may influence her decision. The situation highlights the complex considerations involved in selecting a running mate, especially in light of past controversies and the need to uphold standards of integrity and accountability.