Josh Shapiro And Other VP Contenders React to Harris-Walz Ticket

The Democrats who did not make the cut in the veepstakes spoke out on Tuesday after Vice President Kamala Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate.

Walz edged out Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to join Harris’ ticket. Walz and Shapiro were reportedly the final two frontrunners.

In a lengthy statement, Shapiro said he had the opportunity to speak to the vice president on Sunday about her “vision for the role and the campaign ahead.” After noting that the choice of running mate was a ” deeply personal decision” for himself and Harris, Shapiro said he still has work to do while serving as Pennsylvania’s governor.

“I know that Governor Tim Walz is an exceptionally strong addition to the ticket who will help Kamala move our country forward. Lori and I consider Tim and Gwen to be good friends of ours and we are excited for them and for the country to get to know the great people we know them to be,” Shapiro said.

Shapiro, who insisted that Harris has his “enthusiastic support,” concluded, “Over the next 90 days, I look forward to traveling all across the Commonwealth to unite Pennsylvanians behind Kamala Harris’ campaign to defeat Donald Trump, become the 47th President of the United States, and build a better future for our country.”

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Harris and Walz are expected to make their first appearance together as running mates in Philadelphia later on Tuesday. Shapiro indicated he would be in attendance, saying on X, “See you tonight in Philly.”

Beshear said on X that it was an “honor” to be considered in the process. Walz “is a great friend and a great choice,” Beshear said, adding that he “fully” supports the ticket and will work to get Harris elected president.

Also on X, Kelly said Harris and Walz “are going to move us forward” and are “already building a campaign to unite our country.” Kelly added that he and his wife, Gabby Giffords, are “ready to do everything we can to help them win.”

Like Kelly, Buttigieg did not mention the vetting process in his first public statement about the Harris-Walz ticket.

He said on X, “Tim Walz is an exceptionally effective governor – and also great to work with. I’m excited for what his Midwestern voice, military experience, and common-sense values will bring to our winning ticket, and for everything the Harris-Walz administration will deliver for Americans.”