HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised President Joe Biden following the President’s announcement that he is no longer running for re-election.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Pennsylvania’s 48th governor referred to Biden as “a patriot who has served our country honorably in the Senate, as Vice President, and as one of the most consequential presidents in modern history.”

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This Week in Pennsylvania

“President Biden has gotten an incredible amount done to move our country forward, defend our democracy, and protect real freedom,” Shapiro wrote. “I am proud to work by his side and am grateful for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to delivering for Pennsylvania — the Commonwealth that raised him.”

There has been increasing speculation that Shapiro could be in the mix to either take Biden’s place as the Democratic nominee or serve as a vice presidential candidate alongside current Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden has endorsed.

Shapiro has also endorsed Harris for President.

“When our founders came together in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to declare our independence and establish our democracy, they did so with the clear understanding that we would only succeed if we were united. In the 248 years since, our country and our people have been tested – but the American spirit has always triumphed.

“Despite our individual differences, when our safety was threatened, when our values and freedoms were attacked, when the stakes were high, Americans have found ways to come together and unite behind common cause and common purpose. That’s the lesson of our founders who gathered in Pennsylvania two-and-a-half centuries ago – and it’s the lesson our Party must learn from now.

“I’ve known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades – we’ve both been prosecutors, we’ve both stood up for the rule of law, we’ve both fought for the people and delivered results. Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom. She has served the country honorably as Vice President and she is ready to be President.

“The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency. The contrast in this race could not be clearer and the road to victory in November runs right through Pennsylvania – where this collective work began. I will do everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States.”

Shapiro joined Harris in Philadelphia just last week saying he and the Vice President have been “friends for 20 years. She’s an outstanding Vice President.”

Recent polls showed Shapiro could perform better than Biden in several swing states, including Pennsylvania. The New York Times also reported over the last 24 hours that Donald Trump’s campaign was “paying especially close attention” to Shapiro as a potential Vice Presidential candidate.

Muhlenberg’s Spring 2024 survey found Shapiro with a 64% approval rating in his first term as Governor, something that could help entice Democrats with the hopes of picking up Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes in November.

Shapiro campaigned with Biden in Harrisburg earlier this month after Biden’s historically poor performance in the debate against Donald Trump. The Governor had come to Biden’s defense several times, including immediately after the debate.

A 2023 Muhlenberg College’s Institute of Public Opinion poll found Shapiro beating Trump 48% to 37% with 11% leaning toward another candidate and 4% unsure in a head-to-head race. In addition, an Engagious/Sago focus group study released by Axios last year found Pennsylvania swing voters wanted to see Shapiro run for president over Biden.

Earler this year former Pennsylvania Lieutenant and Acting Governor Mark Singel called Shapiro “the real deal” and someone who’s “going to be a star.”

“He was a member of the (State) House of Representatives, he’s been running for President since he was 12 years old, and he’s good at it, right? He doesn’t really miss a trick, and he presents himself well and he handles the press so beautifully.”

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