In a surprising move, Erin McClelland, a Democratic candidate for treasurer in Pennsylvania, has endorsed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper as the ideal Democratic nominee for the vice presidency, rather than her own state's Governor Josh Shapiro. McClelland's endorsement came alongside thinly-veiled criticisms of Shapiro's handling of a sexual harassment scandal in his office last year.

Taking to social media, McClelland expressed her desire for a vice presidential pick who is secure enough to take a secondary role under a woman, content with being a vice president, and will not undermine the president for personal gain. Specifically alluding to Shapiro, McClelland mentioned not wanting someone who sweeps sexual harassment allegations under the rug. Her comments were seen as a reference to a former top aide to Shapiro, Mike Vereb, who was accused of sexual harassment by a female subordinate. The governor's office subsequently reached a $295,000 settlement with the accuser, but Vereb resigned months after the complaint was filed.

McClelland's remarks brought the scandal back into the spotlight and provoked backlash from Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Sharif Street and other party officials supporting Shapiro. However, McClelland remained unapologetic and stood by her comments, stating she believes women in high-level positions face difficulties with male subordinates who may struggle with being in a subordinate role.

While McClelland's endorsement of Cooper did not directly address their stance on Shapiro's policies, she praised Cooper's comfort in his own skin and lack of strong ambitions for the presidency. McClelland also highlighted his support for public education as a key issue important to her.

Given that Shapiro is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party with a 61% favorability rating, there is speculation about the impact McClelland's endorsement and criticisms may have on his political career. Republican lawmakers had previously criticized Shapiro's handling of the sexual harassment scandal, questioning why Vereb was allowed to remain in his position for months after the accusations.

As of now, no statement has been provided by either McClelland or Shapiro's office regarding the controversy. Party officials, however, have expressed offense at McClelland's comments, with Chairman Street noting that whoever Harris chooses as her running mate, the party will stand behind her.

The treasury candidate anticipates that her relationship with Street will remain unaffected by the controversy and emphasized that she will support the Democratic ticket regardless of the vice presidential nominee, lauding Governor Cooper as the best candidate due to his comfort in his own skin and alignment with her priorities on public education.

It remains to be seen how McClelland's criticisms and endorsement of Cooper will impact the vice presidential selection process and the wider Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Shapiro, who faced criticism from both the left and right on his stance regarding school choice, may now have to navigate the fallout from this endorsement as he continues to build his political career.