Top Harris Running Mate Emerges As Democratic Convention Draws Near

A leading contender to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate has surfaced, though recent reports could significantly affect her final decision.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has unexpectedly canceled his scheduled trip to the Hamptons, where he was set to mingle with wealthy donors. The Democrat was slated to attend two high-profile events, including a meet-and-greet at the upscale home of public relations executive Mike Kempner.

This sudden change in plans has sparked speculation about Shapiro’s political future, hinting at possible preparations for a national role. The cancellation has fueled rumors that he might be considered as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, sources told CNBC.

“The Governor’s trip was planned several weeks ago and included several fundraisers for his own campaign committee,” Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder confirmed to the outlet. “His schedule has changed, and he is no longer traveling to the Hamptons this weekend.”

The Sunday event was expected to host over 100 guests from various sectors, such as legal, sports, and finance, according to a confidential source.

Known for his high approval ratings, Shapiro, the former state attorney general, has emerged as a strong candidate for a potential running mate due to his appeal in the crucial swing state. His popularity among some of Harris’ advisors has further fueled the speculation. Additionally, Shapiro was scheduled to attend a fundraiser in East Hampton for The Next 50 on Saturday. The recent announcement of a week-long campaign in Philadelphia by Harris’ team, starting next Tuesday, has only intensified rumors about Shapiro’s potential selection.

However, a recent report could complicate Harris’ decision to choose him.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to review an appeal from the family of a Philadelphia woman initially declared a homicide victim in 2011. The case took a dramatic turn when the medical examiner later reclassified it as a suicide following objections from police, Fox29 reported.

First-grade teacher Ellen Greenberg, 27, was found in her apartment with 20 stab wounds. Despite the nature of her injuries, police initially classified her death as a suicide due to the locked door from the inside and the absence of defensive wounds on her boyfriend, who claimed to have found her after breaking down the door.

Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide, citing the large number of stab wounds, including 10 to the back of her neck. After police publicly challenged the findings, Osbourne changed the ruling to suicide without explanation. Subsequent reports indicated that at least two of the stab wounds pierced the victim’s spine and occurred after she was already dead.

Greenberg’s family disputed the ruling and, in 2021, appealed the decision to reclassify her death as a suicide to then-Pennsylvania AG Shapiro. In February 2022, his office reaffirmed it as a suicide, which he had also done in 2019, CBS News reported exclusively at the time.

“The file of Ellen Greenberg is being closed by the office of Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, according to a letter sent to the attorney of Greenberg’s parents. The letter shows the AG’s Office still supports suicide as the manner of death after it reviewed the case again, between December 2021 and January of this year,” the outlet reported.

“After reviewing the material, the facts still support the medical examiner’s finding of suicide,” Shapiro’s office said.

“I’m completely disgusted,” Ellen’s mother, Sandra Greenberg, said.

“These people disappointed me,” Ellen’s father, Josh Greenberg, added. “I think this is a vicious homicide.”

The family’s attorney, Joseph Podraza, agreed: “This cannot be suicide.”

Additionally, late last month, a Democrat candidate for statewide office in Pennsylvania made a serious accusation against Shapiro.

Treasurer nominee Erin McClelland “appeared to accuse Shapiro of sexism and covering up sexual harassment,” and implied he wouldn’t be satisfied playing second fiddle to Harris, the New York Post reported, quoting a tweet she posted on Tuesday evening.

“I want a VP pick that’s secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP & won’t undermine the President to maneuver his own election & doesn’t sweep sexual harassment under the rug. I want someone that can speak to rural voters,” she wrote, endorsing North Carolina Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.