July 29, 2024, Philadelphia—Today, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer headlined a rally in Montgomery County supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. The event drew over 1,300 supporters, who gathered to focus on Harris’s commitment to protecting American freedoms, lowering family costs, and addressing Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.
In his remarks, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised Vice President Harris’s leadership and achievements, reflecting on her tenure as a prosecutor and senator. He stated, “I knew [Vice President Harris] when she was a courtroom prosecutor, and let me tell you something: she is tough as nails. I watched her stand up for victims, stand up for those who’ve been harmed. Stand up and do what is right… every single fight she was in, she won for the people. When she was a United States Senator, she put families first. She prosecuted the case against those who seek to rip away their freedom and their opportunities. As Vice President, she’s been battle-tested, she is ready for the fight ahead, and she is ready to be our next President.”
Governor Shapiro emphasized that Harris’s experience and proven leadership make her well-suited for the presidency. “She has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to our nation’s values, making her an ideal candidate to lead the country forward.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also spoke at the rally, criticizing former President Trump’s policies and highlighting Harris’s accomplishments. “Donald Trump bragged about overturning Roe v. Wade and sexually assaulting women. He lost tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs, including right here in Montgomery County. He tried slashing Medicare and Social Security and repealing the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Supreme Court Justices who are rolling back our rights. He cut taxes for himself and his rich friends, and then he tried overturning the election. Kamala Harris understands the challenges you face, and she has been fighting for Michigan and Pennsylvania every day as Vice President. The cost of insulin is capped at $35 a month because Kamala Harris got it done. Pennsylvania added tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the last four years because Kamala Harris got it done. You have new roads and bridges from Harrisburg to Lewisburg because Kamala Harris got it done. She will fight for your freedom because she cares about people like you. She will always have your back.”
Although Whitmer is seen as a potential vice presidential candidate, she indicated she has not been vetted for that role and plans to continue her work in Michigan.
Danilo Burgos, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 197th District and Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and support for Shapiro. “I am very excited to be part of this historic moment. Governor Shapiro and Governor Whitmer have been working very hard in their respective states, especially Shapiro here in Pennsylvania. They are providing strong support for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. The importance of Pennsylvania in this presidential race cannot be overstated, and the Democratic Party has become more united, working hard to ensure Harris becomes President. Although the choice of vice presidential candidate is up to Harris, I hope she chooses Shapiro because he is exceptionally qualified for the position.”
Jamila Wier, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, shared her excitement and highlighted the involvement of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. “We are in an exciting time, with the possibility of having the first woman of color in the highest office in the land. The energy in the room was electric. I am proud of our great Governor Josh Shapiro. If Harris chooses him as her vice presidential candidate, she will not be disappointed. I have confidence in his work for Pennsylvania, and he would be an excellent choice. At the same time, we must encourage the AAPI community to actively participate in the election and support our candidates.”
Maline Dean, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District, also voiced her support for Governor Shapiro and stressed the importance of voter participation. “Seeing this new generation stepping up to protect our freedoms is inspiring. Shapiro has shown outstanding performance as Governor and Attorney General. If Kamala Harris selects him as her vice presidential candidate, it will be an exciting choice. Regardless of who is chosen, we have a strong bench of candidates. We must ensure that all communities, including the AAPI community, are mobilized to vote and fight for the freedoms and representation we value.”
The remarks from these Democratic leaders underscored their support for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign and their enthusiasm for Governor Josh Shapiro’s potential vice presidential candidacy. They emphasized the historical significance of this election and called on voters to actively participate in the upcoming elections.
