Shapiro in the Crossfire: Sexual Harassment Allegations Jeopardize Vice-Presidential Prospects

The Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, who is considered a potential vice-presidential candidate for Kamala Harris, is facing renewed intense criticism over his handling of a sexual harassment complaint against a long-time senior staff member. The state of Pennsylvania agreed last September to pay $295,000 to settle a complaint against Michael A. Vereb, then the head of the legislative department and one of Shapiro’s closest advisors. An employee had accused Vereb of repeatedly making graphic sexual advances and criticizing her job performance after she rejected him. She eventually quit her job because she did not want to continue working under him. Vereb retained his position for six months after the allegations were first made. He only resigned after local journalists obtained a copy of the complaint, weeks after the settlement was quietly reached. Shapiro's office praised Vereb for his "dedicated service" upon leaving the position. Although Shapiro was already under pressure last fall for his handling of the case, the debate was recently reignited as he emerged as a frontrunner for the vice-presidency. The National Women’s Defense League, a non-partisan group, called on the Harris campaign to review the case, stating that Shapiro’s office should have handled the sexual harassment case better. A spokesperson for Shapiro emphasized on Friday that the governor was not informed of the complaint until months after it was filed and has now ordered to be immediately informed of such allegations. Shapiro himself expressed his zero-tolerance stance toward harassment in the workplace or elsewhere. Vereb declined to comment. The identity of his accuser remains concealed for privacy reasons. It remains unclear whether this incident will affect Shapiro's chances of being on the ticket. In contrast, his circle of supporters often points to his nearly two-decade largely scandal-free political career, which has earned him a good reputation. Criticism regarding the governor's office's response to the complaint initially came predominantly from female Republican legislators. Democratic critics have also spoken out loudly. Erin McClelland, a Democrat and candidate for Pennsylvania Treasurer, expressed her reservations about any vice-presidency that "sweeps harassment under the rug." Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) have come under increased scrutiny for potentially concealing sexual misconduct. Shapiro's spokesperson stated that the governor supports abolishing such agreements if the complainant wishes. Figures from both parties and critics like Debra S. Katz, a well-known civil rights attorney, accuse Shapiro of mishandling the case. They emphasize that the matter should have been addressed more directly from the outset, with offers to the employee to remove her from the distressing situation while the investigation was ongoing. Vereb's resignation ended a controversial personnel matter, but the impact on Shapiro's career and his chances of a potential vice-presidential candidacy remain to be seen.