Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro drew scrutiny after a recording emerged of close ally Bob Brooks claiming the governor directed a firefighters union to endorse Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in her 2024 reelection bid.

Brooks, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th District, made the remarks last week to a group of Democratic students at Lehigh University. In the audio obtained by Axios, Brooks said the request came because McClelland, the Democratic challenger, had criticized Shapiro during his consideration as a potential vice presidential pick for Kamala Harris in 2024.

"That was a request, ironically, from Gov. Josh Shapiro because Erin McClelland was running against her," Brooks stated. "Josh Shapiro had requested because... Erin McClelland came out hard about something on Josh Shapiro, and really, the Democratic Party as a whole turned on Erin McClelland. And he said, 'I would like you guys to endorse Stacy Garrity.'"

McClelland had posted on X in July 2024, questioning Shapiro's suitability as vice president. She wrote that she wanted a pick "secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP & won't undermine the president to maneuver his own election & doesn't sweep sexual harassment under the rug." The post referenced allegations against Shapiro aide Mike Vereb, who faced sexual harassment claims in 2023. Shapiro's administration later settled with the accuser for $295,000.

Shapiro did not endorse McClelland, and the firefighters' union backed Garrity, who won reelection. Garrity, now running for governor against Shapiro, has faced criticism from Pennsylvania Democrats for past election denial comments, including calls to decertify Pennsylvania's 2020 results.

Both camps quickly denied the claims. Brooks issued a statement saying he "misspoke and made an inaccurate comment." He noted widespread upset among Democrats and labor over McClelland's attacks but insisted Shapiro made no endorsement request.

Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder called Brooks' remark "inaccurate." "The governor did not ask Bob Brooks to make any endorsements in that race," Bonder said, adding Shapiro's focus remains on the November elections.

Pat Martin, secretary-treasurer of the firefighters' association, confirmed McClelland did not seek the union's endorsement. Shapiro has strongly backed Brooks' congressional bid, including appearing in a TV ad for him ahead of the May 19 Democratic primary.

The episode highlights tensions within Pennsylvania Democrats during Shapiro's national rise. Axios reported it Saturday, prompting backlash from some quarters questioning Shapiro's handling of intraparty critics.