Josh Shapiro could become the first Jewish US vice president

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro's strong Jewish identity and his ties with Israel will be a factor in whether he becomes Kamala Harris' running mate in November.

Shapiro, 51, is on the short list of potential picks for the Democrats’ vice-presidential candidate. He is contending with fellow governors Andy Beshear (Kentucky), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Tim Walz (Minnesota), JB Pritzker (Illinois, and also Jewish), and Roy Cooper (North Carolina), as well as Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona, whose wife is Jewish) and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The latter, in particular, has received acclaim recently for his smooth handling of public appearances everywhere from Fox News to The Daily Show.

Harris interviewed prospects last weekend and has a Tuesday evening rally (US time) scheduled in Philadelphia to kick off a seven-state tour with her running mate.