Philadelphia’s Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parker recently expressed her support for Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harris’ potential pick for vice president on the presidential ticket. In a post on X, Parker wrote, “Proud to be back with so many leaders from across our region supporting Kamala Harris for President and Josh Shapiro for VP!” She pinned the post to the top of her profile, causing some confusion as it seemed like a premature announcement of Shapiro’s selection by the Harris campaign.
“We are One CITY, One REGION, and ONE Commonwealth United!” Parker added. Harris is expected to hold a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where she will announce her vice-presidential pick, though the campaign has yet to make an official announcement. Speculation has placed Shapiro at the top of the list, and he recently canceled his weekend fundraising events in New York’s Hamptons. Other rumored contenders, such as Gretchen Whitmer and Roy Cooper, have announced they will not be on the ticket with Harris.
The post was accompanied by a campaign video supporting Harris and Shapiro for president and vice president, respectively. Local and regional leaders also joined in to show their support for the duo. Parker’s post coincided with Harris gaining support from delegates initially backing Biden in the primary, who have now pledged their support to Harris. Despite not having run in or won a primary, Harris referred to herself as the “president” at a memorial for the late lawmaker Sheila Jackson Lee.
Philadelphia Magazine’s Ernest Owens clarified that the post was intended to be scheduled but was accidentally published early. “SCOOP,” he posted, “Philly political sources have told me that a staffer connected with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s team accidentally posted the video today. The video was scheduled for Monday…after VP Kamala Harris was expected to announce her pick. It’s Josh Shapiro, y’all.”
Local newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer noted the ambiguity in Parker’s post, whether it was merely promoting Shapiro’s chances or inadvertently revealing Harris’ decision. They quoted anonymous sources debunking the idea of an accidental leak.
Greg Price commented, “Lmfao there is a 100% they were supposed to schedule this post for next week but some dumb staffer for the Mayor of Philadelphia accidentally just revealed that Kamala Harris is picking Shapiro as her VP.”
A source close to Parker, speaking anonymously to The Inquirer, stated, “This is not an announcement of anything. This is just the mayor showing her support for a longtime friend who we know is one of the people being considered.” Attempts to reach Parker’s campaign for comment were unsuccessful.
In the video accompanying her post, Parker said, “I can’t think of a better partner than our governor, Josh Shapiro.”