Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, plans to campaign for a second term in office, a decision that signals his continued prominence within the Democratic Party and positions him as a leading figure to watch in future national political contests. His announced bid comes after a first gubernatorial term that brought him into the spotlight as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. The formal launch of his reelection campaign is scheduled for Thursday and will include events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Although Shapiro has remained discreet about any presidential aspirations, his effort to secure another term as governor will be scrutinized for indications of his viability on a national scale. Since his decisive victory in the 2022 Pennsylvania governor’s race, Shapiro has been frequently grouped with other influential Democratic governors such as California’s Gavin Newsom, Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker, Maryland’s Wes Moore, among others, as emerging leaders capable of advancing to prominent roles on a national ticket.
At 52 years old, Shapiro’s political activities already extend beyond Pennsylvania’s borders. In the previous year, he actively supported Democratic gubernatorial candidates in states like New Jersey and Virginia, and has become a regular fixture on Sunday political talk shows that shape broader national discourse. Additionally, he was once considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, a position ultimately conferred upon Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Governorship marked by crisis management and assertive leadership
Throughout his initial term, Shapiro faced a series of significant events that elevated his public profile. He was governor during critical incidents in Pennsylvania, such as the first attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the arrest of Luigi Mangione linked to the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the state’s deadliest day for law enforcement involving the deaths of three officers.
In an alarming event last year, an arson attempt targeted Shapiro’s official residence, prompting him to evacuate with his family. This attack added to his national recognition as a vocal commentator on growing political violence in the US. His approach as governor evolved from a traditionally formal style to a more direct and candid manner. This shift was illustrated by his proactive stance during the reopening of a collapsed portion of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, where he adopted an unorthodox and frank motto emphasizing efficiency.
Shapiro further demonstrated a willingness to cross partisan lines by endorsing a school voucher program supported by Republicans, a move that caused friction with parts of his own party. He emphasizes the importance of bipartisan cooperation within Pennsylvania’s politically divided legislature and advocates moderate policies on energy, recognizing the state’s significant natural gas production industry that ranks behind only Texas.
His engagement with the business community includes fostering relationships with corporate leaders interested in Pennsylvania as a hub for data centers, as well as advocating for the state’s participation in attracting substantial investment in manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
Political outlook and 2026 election dynamics
Shapiro enjoys strong approval ratings and is known for effective messaging and robust fundraising capabilities. His political career includes two terms as Pennsylvania’s attorney general prior to becoming governor. However, his initial gubernatorial victory benefited from his opponent, State Senator Doug Mastriano, being viewed as politically extreme and lacking broad support within the Republican establishment.
In the upcoming 2026 election, Shapiro will face Republican nominee Stacy Garrity, the incumbent state treasurer who has previously won two elections. Garrity has been present at numerous Trump rallies and campaign events throughout Pennsylvania but has yet to establish a comparable fundraising network or statewide recognition level relative to Shapiro.
Throughout his term, Shapiro has maintained a high profile by appearing at various civic and cultural events beyond the political sphere, including sports games and concerts. His media presence is notable, with frequent appearances on television political programs, podcasts, and local sports radio. Moreover, his social media strategy includes engagement on platforms popular among younger demographics, such as TikTok. He has also participated in dialogues across the political spectrum, including a podcast hosted by conservative musician Ted Nugent.
Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, Shapiro has positioned himself as a key pro-Israel voice within the Democratic Party, publicly addressing party divisions and standing against antisemitism manifested in pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, his commitment to supporting Israel’s actions against Hamas has been prominent in his statements.
There was speculation about his potential candidacy for vice president in 2024. However, Vice President Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the role. Harris later portrayed Shapiro as potentially unwilling to accept a subordinate position, a characterization Shapiro has publicly refuted as inaccurate.
Reelection as a platform for future ambitions
During a September 2023 interview on "Meet the Press," Shapiro was questioned about his commitment to serving a full second term and prospects of running for president in 2028. He declined to address these directly, emphasizing his focus on gubernatorial responsibilities.
His supposed presidential ambitions have been a focal point in the contest with Stacy Garrity, who has criticized Shapiro for diverting attention from Pennsylvania to national concerns. Shapiro counters by questioning Garrity’s close alignment with Trump and her effectiveness as a state advocate.
The upcoming campaign could also serve as an informal audition for Shapiro’s future political aspirations. He has publicly criticized former President Trump on several fronts, including litigation efforts against the Trump administration and condemnation of policies and rhetoric deemed harmful or reckless. Recently, he targeted Vice President J.D. Vance concerning disputes over emergency food aid during a federal government shutdown.
The broader Democratic landscape includes other potential 2028 presidential candidates, some of whom are out of office or limited by term restrictions. For example, Newsom is not eligible for reelection, and others like Pete Buttigieg do not hold public office. Meanwhile, other gubernatorial candidates such as Maryland’s Moore and Illinois’ Pritzker are seeking reelection this year.