PHILADELPHIA — Anticipation grew over the past several weeks that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would join Vice President Kamala Harris onstage in Philadelphia for Tuesday’s announcement of the new Democratic ticket running this fall for the White House.

As expected, Shapiro was onstage, but not in the role many envisioned for the first-term governor.

Instead it was Shapiro, the apparent runner-up in Harris’ veepstakes, introducing the new ticket, Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, during the campaign’s first rally at Temple University’s Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia.

In a rousing 20-minute introduction, Shapiro affirmed his status as the state’s chief executive; attacked former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance; and enthusiastically stumped for the new Harris-Walz Democratic ticket.

“I love being your governor. Every single day I go to work for you. Every day I focus on three letters, GSD. I focus on getting (expletive) done for all of you,” Shapiro said, not showing any signs of disappointment over being bypassed for the vice presidential spot on the ticket.

“Let me tell you something Pennsylvania, let me tell you something America. I am more optimistic than ever before,” Shapiro said, later adding, “We’re not going back, and we’re not going into the future with Donald Trump.”

In her remarks, Harris described Walz as a fighter for the middle class and a leader and highlighted his accomplishments as a member of Congress and as Minnesota governor.

Harris didn’t address the decision to bypass Shapiro, but she praised the Pennsylvania governor and called him a “dear, dear friend.”

“It’s great to be here with your incredible governor,” Harris told the crowd. “I told Josh I am so, so invested in our friendship and we are doing this together. Together with Josh Shapiro, we will win Pennsylvania.”

Walz also praised Pennsylvania’s governor.

“Pennsylvania, I know you know this, but by God, what a treasure you have in Josh Shapiro. Holy hell, can this guy bring the fire,” Walz said, adding that Shapiro “cares deeply for the people.”

Enthusiastic Democrats began lining up outside the 10,000-seat Liacouras Center well before noon Tuesday, hours before the rally got underway. The atmosphere was raucous during the event, and there were no signs that the bypassing of Shapiro dampened the spirits of those attending.

“I liked Shapiro, but Walz checks all the boxes,” said Karin Stone of Exton, Chester County. “Honestly, (Harris) could have picked a rock and I’d vote blue.”

Many in the crowd acknowledged that Shapiro faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some in the far left wing of his own party questioning his moderate stances on several issues.

“Sure, I was disappointed (that Shapiro wasn’t picked to be Harris’ running mate), but he’s going to be our governor for the next two years,” said Daniel Solis, a Democratic ward leader in Philadelphia.

Like many in the crowd, Solis praised Walz’s credentials and his ability to broaden Democratic support.

“Sure, we had a little bit of disappointment. It would have been great to have someone from Pennsylvania on the ticket, but for the country as a whole, (Walz) is perfect for that spot,” said Pam Sporny of Yardley.

Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel traveled from Slippery Rock to see the launch of the newly formed Harris-Walz ticket.

“I am not surprised,” Boozel said of the Walz pick. “We will continue to support the ticket. Josh was in line for it and he was adequately suited for it, but now he will work hard to support them in Pennsylvania.”

Joyce Lambert of Philadelphia said she didn’t know much about Walz but appreciated the renewed excitement that he and Harris are bringing to the ticket.

“The energy, especially after the downward spiral the campaign had been in, is so much better now,” Lambert said.

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