Speculation runs wild after Philadelphia mayor appears to leak Harris’ vice president pick

Philadelphia’s mayor released a video urging Americans to support Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro “for vice president,” sparking speculation that Kamala Harris’ pick for running mate had been leaked.

On Friday, Mayor Cherelle Parker posted a video on her personal social media accounts encouraging Pennsylvanians to stand behind “Kamala Harris for president” and “Josh Shapiro for vice president”, days before the presumptive Democratic nominee is expected to make her official announcement.

“I can’t think of a better partner than our governor, Josh Shapiro,” Parker said, in the video.

The ad caused speculation to run wild across social media, with many wondering whether the mayor had accidentally revealed Harris’ running mate. The video has not been deleted as of Saturday morning.

The Independent has emailed the Harris campaign and Mayor Parker’s office for comment.

The video was “accidentally posted” on Friday but had been “scheduled for Monday” after Harris made her announcement, Ernest Owens, editor-at-large for Philadelphia Magazine, wrote in a tweet. “It’s Josh Shapiro, y’all.”

However,The Independent has learned that Mayor Parker was simply expressing her support for a longtime ally and friend as a potential selection by Harris for the Democratic ticket.

Shapiro is reportedly on Harris’ veep shortlist, along with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Clues in the past week have suggested that Harris may be focusing on Shapiro. Harris is expected to hold her first rally with her veep pick on Tuesday in Pennsylvania, Shapiro’s home state. She is expected to make the official announcement before then.

Adding further speculation that the Pennsylvania governor will