JUST IN: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Endorses Kamala Harris

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination for president just hours after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Shapiro has been mentioned frequently in recent weeks as a potential candidate for president should Biden exit the race. On Sunday, CNN reported he’s one of the names being bandied about as a running mate for Harris — particularly given his popularity in the key swing state of Pennsylvania.

“The best path forward for the Democratic Party is to quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency,” Shapiro said in a statement. “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.”

Read the rest of the statement below:

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.

CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez reported that Harris has been “working the phones” to organize support for her nomination on Sunday.

Watch CNN report on the breaking news above.