The New York Times reported this week that Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro canceled a fundraising event just days before Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate.

While the move has led to speculation that Shapiro may end up on the Democratic ticket, other factors are raising doubts. 

Allegations against close Shapiro ally

As The Philadelphia Inquirer noted late last month, one of those facts is a sexual harassment scandal involving one of Shapiro’s top aides and closest allies.

Fifty-seven-year-old Mike Vereb suddenly resigned from his position as chief liaison to Pennsylvania's General Assembly this past September despite having been in the role for less than a year.

Dana Fritz serves as Shapiro’s chief of staff, and she was quoted by the Inquirer as saying, "Mike has been a key member of our team and thanks to his dedicated service, the Governor’s Office is prepared for the work ahead."

While no reason for Vereb's departure was given, it came only weeks after Shapiro's administration agreed to a $295,000 settlement.

Shapiro accused of sweeping "sexual harassment under the rug"

While the agreement did not come with any admission of wrongdoing, it was reached after a female state employee accused Vereb of sexually harassing her and other women.

What's more, it brought public criticism of Shapiro from Erin McClelland, who is the Democratic candidate for treasurer in Pennsylvania.

In a social media post put up on July 23, McClelland called on Harris to have North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper join her on the Democratic ticket.

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. That is @RoyCooperNC

— Erin McClelland (@ErinforPA) July 23, 2024

"I want a VP pick that’s secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP [and] won’t undermine the President to maneuver his own election [and] doesn’t sweep sexual harassment under the rug," she wrote.

Shapiro's Jewish heritage is an issue for antisemites

However, Cooper announced in a social media post of his own earlier this week that it isn't "the right time" for a vice presidential run.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that Shapiro is facing opposition from some within leftist circles due to his support for Israel as well as his Jewish heritage.

"Activists have not organized in force to discredit any of the non-Jewish contenders for vice president on these grounds. There are no viral memes against 'Killer Kelly' or 'War-Crimes Walz,'" author Yair Rosenberg was quoted as saying.