Gov. Shapiro Says Vice President Kamala Harris Is ‘Ready to Be President’, Urges Democrats to Unite

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 its statement praising Harris and calling for party unity after speaking with Biden and Harris.

The governor began by saying that the American people “have been tested” over the nation’s 248-year history, “but the American spirit has always triumphed.”

Every time the United States has faced threats, Shapiro said, “Americans have found a way to come together and unite around a common cause and a common purpose. That’s the lesson our founders learned in Pennsylvania two and a half centuries ago — and it’s the lesson our party must learn today.”

Shapiro said he had known Harris, who like him was 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 before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance true freedom,” he said. “She served her country with honor as vice president, and she is ready to become president.”

Shapiro urged the Democratic Party to unite behind Harris and focus on winning the presidential race.

“The deal in this race couldn’t be clearer, and the road to victory in November runs through Pennsylvania – where this collective work began,” Shapiro said, vowing to “do everything I can” to get Harris elected.

Shapiro’s statement ends speculation that he might seek the party’s nomination at its convention next month in Chicago, but will do little to quell rumors that he is a running mate for Harris.

Two other governors frequently mentioned as presidential candidates, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, have no plans to challenge Harris for the presidential nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago next month, CBS News’ Robert Costa reported.