Joshua David Shapiro (born June 20, 1973) is an American lawyer and Democratic politician serving as the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania since January 2023.[1][2]Shapiro, who grew up in Pennsylvania as the son of a pediatrician and an educator, began his political career as a state representative for Montgomery County from 2005 to 2011, followed by chairing the county's board of commissioners until 2017.[2] As the state's Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, he spearheaded investigations into child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, sued opioid manufacturers like Purdue Pharma for deceptive marketing, and advanced national settlements to fund addiction treatment while removing millions of dangerous doses from circulation.[3][2]In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Shapiro defeated Republican Doug Mastriano, securing 56.5% of the vote and more than three million ballots—the highest total for any gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania history.[4][5] As governor, he has prioritized bipartisan education funding increases, criminal justice reforms, hiring additional state troopers, and automatic voter registration, while eliminating college degree requirements for most state jobs to broaden employment access.[6][2]Shapiro's tenure has included responses to infrastructure crises like the Interstate 95 collapse and efforts to balance budgets amid a divided legislature, though his administration has drawn criticism for alleged inconsistencies in environmental policy and handling of internal sexual harassment claims involving aides, as well as his assertive role in addressing campus antisemitism at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, raising concerns about governmental influence on academic autonomy from free speech advocates.[6][7][8][9]
Early life and education
Family background and upbringing
Joshua David Shapiro was born on June 20, 1973, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Steven Shapiro, a pediatrician who served in the U.S. Navy, and Judi Shapiro, an educator.[2][10] He was one of three children in the family.[11]The Shapiro family relocated from Missouri to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where Joshua was raised in the suburb of Dresher.[10][11] He grew up in an observant Jewish household that emphasized community service, influenced by his parents' professional commitments to medicine and education.[2][12] This environment fostered early values of public service and faith, shaping his formative years in the Philadelphia suburbs.[10]
Academic and early professional training
Shapiro attended the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1995, graduating magna cum laude.[13][14] During his time there, he served as president of the Students' Association, becoming the first freshman elected to that position in university history.[15] He initially pursued pre-medical studies but shifted to political science after difficulties with organic chemistry in his freshman year.[16]Shapiro subsequently attended Georgetown University Law Center on a part-time night program, earning his Juris Doctor in 2002 while working full-time as a congressional aide in Washington, D.C.[17][10] In these roles, he served as a senior legislative assistant to Representative Peter Deutsch (D-FL) and as a senior foreign policy advisor to Senator Robert Torricelli (D-NJ).[18] Following law school, he worked as chief of staff to Representative Joe Hoeffel (D-PA) and as a senior advisor to Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), before returning to Pennsylvania for private legal practice.[19][20] He is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.[20]
Early political career
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Shapiro was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on November 2, 2004, as a Democrat representing the 153rd legislative district, encompassing portions of Abington, Dresher, and Jenkintown in Montgomery County.[21] He secured the seat in a competitive race against the Republican incumbent, flipping it from GOP control in a district that had been held by Republicans for over a decade.[10] Shapiro was reelected three times, in 2006, 2008, and 2010, serving continuously from January 2005 until the end of his term in 2012.[21][22]During his tenure, Shapiro served on the House Judiciary Committee and the Insurance Committee, focusing on issues related to legal reform, consumer protections, and local governance.[18] His legislative record included support for key votes on matters such as congressional redistricting, where he opposed a 2011 plan that critics argued favored incumbents.[23] Shapiro also contributed to bipartisan ethics reforms, helping advance measures that imposed stricter disclosure requirements on lawmakers' finances and gifts to enhance government transparency—efforts described by regional policy groups as among the strongest in state history at the time.[24]Shapiro's House service emphasized fiscal responsibility and education funding, aligning with Democratic priorities in a Republican-controlled chamber.[10] In 2010, he opted not to seek a fifth term, instead entering the race for Montgomery County commissioner amid a vacancy on the board; he won that nonpartisan election in May 2011 via a special election, transitioning to county-level leadership upon taking office in 2012.[21][10]
Montgomery County commissioner
Shapiro was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2011, alongside Leslie Richards, securing a Democratic majority and ending over 140 years of Republican control.[25][26] He took office on January 4, 2012, serving as board chair from 2012 to 2016 and vice chair from 2016 to 2017.[27][28]As chair, Shapiro launched the Keystone Reform initiative in May 2013 to streamline county operations, reduce redundancies, and enhance efficiency across departments.[29] The board prioritized infrastructure upgrades, targeting structurally deficient bridges and expanding recreational trails to improve public safety and connectivity.[30] In January 2014, Shapiro outlined forthcoming reforms in human services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility, and open government, aiming to modernize service delivery while controlling costs.[31]A notable action occurred in July 2013, when the board supported Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, defying Pennsylvania's statutory ban on recognizing such unions.[32][33] At least five couples received licenses on July 24, 2013, prompting a state lawsuit and a court order on September 12, 2013, to halt the practice pending further litigation.[34][35] Shapiro endorsed the move, stating it advanced equality, though it drew criticism for preempting judicial review of state law.[33]Tensions arose with Republican Commissioner Joseph Gale over operational decisions, including public criticisms of staff and board priorities, but no major scandals or formal investigations marred the Democratic majority's tenure.[36] Shapiro's term ended in 2017 upon his successful run for state attorney general.[30]
Path to Attorney General
Following his service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2005 to 2012 and as a Montgomery County commissioner from 2012 to 2016—where he also chaired the three-member board of commissioners—Josh Shapiro launched a statewide campaign for attorney general.[37][38] As commissioner, Shapiro emphasized fiscal management, including efforts to streamline operations and address local priorities like infrastructure and public safety, positioning himself as a pragmatic leader capable of tackling corruption at higher levels of government.[39]The race occurred amid turmoil in the attorney general's office, following scandals involving incumbent Democrat Kathleen Kane, who faced suspension and eventual conviction on perjury charges in 2016, creating an opening for candidates promising reform.[39] Shapiro entered the Democratic primary, held on April 26, 2016, against Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, a more conservative Democrat who criticized Shapiro's lack of prosecutorial experience. Shapiro won decisively, capturing 72.3% of the vote (688,825 votes) to Morganelli's 27.7% (264,344 votes), aided by strong support in suburban Philadelphia areas and endorsements from party leaders.[40]In the general election on November 8, 2016—the same day as the presidential contest, which Donald Trump won in Pennsylvania by less than 1%—Shapiro faced Republican state Senator John Rafferty, a Chester County lawmaker with legislative experience but vulnerabilities over past ethics issues. Shapiro prevailed narrowly, earning 51.5% of the vote (3,057,010 votes) to Rafferty's 48.5% (2,888,006 votes), a margin of approximately 169,004 votes or 2.78 percentage points, bucking the state's Republican tilt at the top of the ticket.[41][42] This outcome reflected Shapiro's appeal in urban and suburban districts, as well as his campaign's focus on consumer protection, fighting opioid abuse, and restoring the office's credibility. He was sworn in as Pennsylvania's 46th attorney general on January 17, 2017.[39]
Attorney General tenure (2017–2023)
Key investigations and legal actions
As Pennsylvania's Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, Josh Shapiro led the 45th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury's probe into child sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church, culminating in an August 2018 report that documented the molestation of more than 1,000 children by over 300 priests across six dioceses (Allentown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Scranton), alongside institutional cover-ups involving reassignments and document destruction.[43][44] The two-year investigation relied on survivor testimonies, church records, and personnel files, revealing patterns of abuse dating back decades, though Pennsylvania's statutes of limitations barred prosecution of most perpetrators; two priests were charged with perjury for lying to the grand jury, and subsequent legislation extended civil windows for victims.[45][46]Shapiro's office pursued aggressive litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, filing suit against Purdue Pharma in October 2019 for deceptive marketing and fueling addiction through OxyContin.[47] This contributed to multistate settlements, including a $26 billion national agreement in 2022 with distributors Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen—responsible for shipping billions of addictive pills—and over $10 billion from CVS and Walgreens for inadequate oversight of prescriptions.[48] Pennsylvania's share exceeded $1 billion, with allocations requiring 70% for counties and local uses like treatment and abatement, though critics noted uneven local spending priorities.[49]In consumer protection efforts, Shapiro established the Consumer Financial Protection Unit in 2017 to target predatory lending, securing settlements against online payday lenders for usurious rates exceeding 600% APR and shutting down operations violating state usury laws.[50] A December 2022 multistate settlement with CarMax imposed a $1 million penalty and mandated disclosure of open safety recalls before sales, addressing risks from unrepaired vehicles like faulty airbags.[51] The office also investigated nursing homes for neglect and fraud, announcing criminal probes in 2020 into facilities amid COVID-19 outbreaks and charging healthcare executives for short-staffing and falsified records that endangered residents.[52]The grand jury further indicted four defendants in a $10 million Medicaid fraud scheme involving unnecessary medical services billed to vulnerable populations, with charges filed in coordination with federal authorities.[53] These actions emphasized enforcement against public health threats and financial exploitation, yielding over $1 billion in total recoveries during Shapiro's tenure.[47]
Conflicts with state and federal entities
During his tenure as Pennsylvania Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, Josh Shapiro initiated or joined approximately two dozen lawsuits against the Trump administration, targeting policies on immigration, healthcare, and environmental regulation.[54] These actions included challenges to Executive Order 13769, known as the travel ban, which Shapiro argued violated constitutional protections and federal immigration statutes by discriminating against individuals from predominantly Muslim countries.[55] His office also contested the administration's family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, filing suit in 2018 alongside other states to halt separations affecting thousands of migrant children, asserting violations of due process and child welfare laws.[55] Additional suits opposed efforts to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections and to undermine the Affordable Care Act, including a 2017 challenge to the administration's refusal to defend the law's individual mandate in court.[55][54]Shapiro's office further litigated against federal rollbacks of environmental protections, such as the 2019 repeal of the Obama-era Waters of the United States rule, which expanded federal jurisdiction over wetlands and streams; Pennsylvania joined multi-state suits claiming the changes endangered public health and water quality under the Clean Water Act.[55] In defending Pennsylvania's 2020 presidential election results, Shapiro resisted post-election lawsuits and pressure from the Trump campaign to alter certified outcomes, including rejecting unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud and securing court dismissals of over 30 related challenges.[55] These federal confrontations positioned Shapiro as a lead plaintiff in Democratic-led coalitions, often prevailing in lower courts though some reached the U.S. Supreme Court.Within Pennsylvania, Shapiro experienced tensions with state-level actors, notably Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, over prosecutorial authority and settlements. In 2021, Krasner sued Shapiro's office to block participation in a $26 billion national opioid settlement with distributors like Johnson & Johnson, arguing the terms inadequately penalized manufacturers and limited local remedies; the Commonwealth Court dismissed the suit, upholding Shapiro's negotiation role under state law.[56][57] Earlier, amid rising gun violence in Philadelphia, Shapiro criticized Krasner's policies declining certain prosecutions and sought legislative support for special prosecutors in 2019, though he later pledged continued collaboration without endorsing overrides of local authority.[58]Shapiro also diverged from Governor Tom Wolf on regulatory matters, publicly questioning the legality of Wolf's 2021 push to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade program for power plant emissions, asserting it might infringe on legislative appropriations powers under the state constitution.[59] His office initially scrutinized the plan's rulemaking but ultimately approved it in December 2021 after revisions. Additionally, in releasing the 2018 grand jury report on Catholic Church clergy abuse—detailing over 300 predatory priests and 1,000 victims—Shapiro faced legislative proposals to restrict future public grand jury findings amid due process objections, yet he advocated implementing the report's recommended reforms like extending statutes of limitations.[60][61] These episodes highlighted Shapiro's independent stance on enforcement priorities, occasionally straining relations with co-partisan state branches while prioritizing litigation grounded in statutory interpretation.
Policy advocacy and settlements
During his tenure as Pennsylvania Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, Josh Shapiro emphasized policy advocacy through aggressive enforcement and multistate litigation aimed at addressing public health crises and consumer exploitation. A primary focus was the opioid epidemic, where Shapiro led negotiations for attorneys general nationwide. In October 2019, he announced a proposed $48 billion global settlement with five major opioid manufacturers and distributors, including Janssen (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), which allocated funds for treatment, prevention, and abatement programs; Pennsylvania's share contributed to eventual state receipts exceeding $2 billion from various opioid accords.[62][63] These agreements, finalized in subsequent years, such as the 2021 deal with Johnson & Johnson and distributors like Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen for $26 billion nationally, prioritized restitution for over-prescription and misleading marketing practices, with Pennsylvania directing funds toward evidence-based interventions like addiction treatment and naloxone distribution.[64][65]Shapiro's office also secured significant settlements in consumer financial protection, targeting predatory lending and deceptive practices. In January 2022, a multistate lawsuit culminated in a $1.85 billion agreement with student loan servicer Navient, forgiving $1.7 billion in private loans nationwide and providing $95 million directly to Pennsylvania borrowers, alongside $400 million in restitution; this built on prior actions canceling over $132.5 million in student debt for affected residents. To institutionalize such efforts, Shapiro established the Consumer Financial Protection Unit in 2017, which investigated scams and unfair practices, yielding recoveries like $1.6 million from illegal car title lenders in October 2022 and a $1 million multistate deal with CarMax in December 2022 for failing to disclose vehicle safety recalls.[66][67][51]In health care, Shapiro advocated for competitive markets by brokering resolutions to antitrust disputes. In 2019, his office facilitated a 10-year contract between UPMC and Highmark, ending years of litigation and rate disputes that had limited patient access and driven up costs; the agreement preserved network participation and committed to cost controls, aligning with broader policy goals of enhancing affordability without expansive regulation. Additional settlements, such as over $20 million from mortgage lender Trident Mortgage in 2018 for deceptive lending, reinforced advocacy for transparency and borrower safeguards.[68] These actions reflected a strategy of leveraging legal settlements for systemic reforms, emphasizing direct consumer relief and accountability from corporate actors over ideological mandates.
2022 gubernatorial campaign
Platform and key positions
During his 2022 campaign for governor, Josh Shapiro outlined a platform centered on economic expansion through deregulation and innovation, increased funding for public education, enhanced public safety measures including gun control, and preservation of Pennsylvania's existing abortion laws without additional restrictions. He pledged to veto any legislation that would limit abortion access, emphasizing the protection of state law permitting abortions up to 24 weeks or longer if the mother's life or health is at risk, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022.[69][70]On the economy, Shapiro proposed establishing innovation hubs linking businesses, universities, and research institutions in sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, and defense technology; creating an Office of Economic Growth to streamline permitting via an online portal; expanding the Manufacturing PA initiative; and tripling funding for apprenticeships while eliminating four-year degree requirements for thousands of state jobs to build a skilled workforce. He advocated lowering the corporate net income tax rate to 4% by 2025—accelerating the existing phase-down from 9.99%—and supported unionization efforts, a $15 minimum wage, and job creation through infrastructure repairs, energy efficiency projects, and plugging abandoned oil and gas wells. Regarding energy, Shapiro endorsed continued natural gas production, including fracking under regulatory oversight, while targeting 30% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, alongside developing hydrogen hubs and carbon capture technologies.[71][69][70]In education, Shapiro committed to fully funding public schools, reducing reliance on standardized testing, increasing vocational and career-technical training in high schools, and adding parent representatives to the state Board of Education; as attorney general, he had filed legal briefs supporting equitable school funding formulas. For public safety and crime, he prioritized stricter firearms regulations, including universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws), and closing the "ghost gun" loophole to prevent unserialized firearm assembly. Shapiro also supported legalizing recreational marijuana with automatic expungements for prior convictions, expanding voting access through automatic registration, same-day registration, and early pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds, and providing tax relief such as $250 rebates per vehicle (up to four) for gas taxes, elimination of sales taxes on cell phones, and broader property tax rebates for seniors.[69][70][72]
Endorsements and political support
Shapiro secured endorsements from a broad array of labor organizations during his 2022 campaign, reflecting strong support from Pennsylvania's union base. In January 2022, AFSCME Council 13, representing over 55,000 public sector workers including state employees, endorsed him, citing his record as attorney general in defending workers' rights and public services.[73] The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Pennsylvania State Council followed in August 2022, emphasizing protections for union contracts and family-supporting jobs amid perceived threats from Republican policies.[74] Similarly, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania endorsed him in February 2022 as part of efforts to expand union representation in healthcare.[75]Notable among these was the October 2022 endorsement from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, a union that has occasionally withheld support from Democrats due to disagreements on trade and energy policies; Shapiro highlighted their backing as validation of his pro-worker stance on infrastructure and manufacturing jobs.[76] The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO also included Shapiro in its April 2022 primary endorsements, aligning with the Democratic establishment's preference for him over lesser-known challengers.[77] Advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC endorsed him in October 2021, praising his legal defenses of reproductive access.[78]As the Democratic nominee, Shapiro benefited from unified party support, entering the general election with over $13.4 million in campaign funds raised by early 2022, enabling extensive advertising that contrasted his experience against Republican Doug Mastriano's limited political profile.[79] The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board endorsed him in October 2022, arguing his prosecutorial background equipped him to address public safety without Mastriano's perceived extremism on election integrity.[80] This institutional backing, combined with union mobilization efforts such as rallies in Philadelphia, contributed to his landslide primary victory and general election margin.[81]
Election results and voter analysis
In the November 8, 2022, general election, Josh Shapiro received 3,031,137 votes (56.5 percent) to Doug Mastriano's 2,230,274 votes (41.5 percent), securing a margin of 800,863 votes and marking the largest Democratic victory in a Pennsylvania gubernatorial contest since 1994.[82] Minor candidates, including Matt Stack (Libertarian) and Christina DiGiulio (Green), together garnered about 2 percent of the vote. Total turnout reached approximately 5.37 million ballots, representing 70.9 percent of registered voters, higher than the 2018 gubernatorial election's 59.8 percent.[82]Shapiro dominated urban areas, winning Philadelphia County with 81.4 percent, while carrying suburban counties like Bucks (52.3 percent), Chester (58.1 percent), Delaware (59.5 percent), and Montgomery (61.2 percent). Mastriano won 57 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, primarily rural and central regions such as Tioga (72.5 percent) and Bedford (74.2 percent), but these areas contributed fewer votes overall. Shapiro improved on Joe Biden's 2020 presidential margins in suburban Philadelphia by 4-7 points, while underperforming in rural counties by similar margins compared to Donald Trump's performance.[83]Exit polls by ABC News, based on 2,651 respondents at polling places, revealed Shapiro's broad appeal crossing traditional lines. He won 63 percent among women (versus 37 percent for Mastriano) and 48 percent among men (50 percent Mastriano), with stronger support from younger cohorts: 71 percent of 18-29-year-olds and 61 percent of 30-44-year-olds. Among racial groups, Shapiro captured 92 percent of Black voters, 72 percent of Hispanic voters, and narrowly 50 percent of white voters (48 percent Mastriano). Education splits showed 64 percent support from college graduates but only 41 percent from non-graduates. Geographically, urban voters (>50,000 population) backed Shapiro 72-28 percent, suburbanites 52-47 percent, and rural/small-city residents 39-58 percent. Party identification drove stark divides: 96 percent of Democrats, 64 percent of independents, but just 16 percent of Republicans chose Shapiro.[84]These patterns indicate Shapiro's success stemmed from consolidating Democratic bases in urban and diverse areas, plus modest gains among suburban independents and white moderates, amid Mastriano's limited crossover due to his emphasis on election denialism and social conservatism, which alienated some Republican-leaning voters in populous regions. Voter priorities in the polls emphasized the economy (32 percent) and abortion (22 percent), where Shapiro's positions aligned better with suburban and independent sentiments.[84][5]
Governorship (2023–present)
Administration and cabinet appointments
Upon assuming office on January 17, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro nominated approximately 22 cabinet secretaries to lead Pennsylvania's executive departments, emphasizing expertise drawn from prior administrations, industry, and local government, as well as bipartisan selections to foster cross-party collaboration in a state with a Republican-majority Senate.[85] Nominations were announced in batches starting in late 2022 and early 2023, with the state Senate confirming most by unanimous or strong bipartisan votes; for instance, by mid-2023, nominees for aging, community and economic development, and general services roles received Senate approval.[86][87][88] As of October 2025, all positions are filled except for education, where Dr. Carrie Rowe serves in an acting capacity pending full Senate confirmation advanced in August 2025.[89][90]Shapiro's selections included several Republicans, marking a departure from partisan norms and aiding confirmations in the GOP-led Senate; notable examples include Al Schmidt, a former Republican Philadelphia city commissioner who gained national attention for defending the 2020 election results, appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth on January 5, 2023, to oversee elections and business services.[91][89] Similarly, Patrick Browne, a former Republican state senator, was named Secretary of Revenue to manage tax collection and policy.[89] Other picks retained continuity from the prior Wolf administration, such as Russell Redding for agriculture, while introducing figures like Valerie Arkoosh, a trauma surgeon and former county commissioner, as Secretary of Human Services.[92] No major confirmation battles arose directly from the cabinet nominations themselves, though some roles experienced temporary acting statuses due to Senate scheduling.[93]The following table lists the current cabinet secretaries as of October 2025:
Department/Position
Secretary/Commissioner
Notes
Administration
Neil Weaver (Acting)
Oversees HR and procurement.[89]
Aging
Jason Kavulich
Confirmed May 2023.[87][89]
Agriculture
Russell Redding
Retained from prior administration.[89]
Banking and Securities
Wendy S. Spicher
Confirmed after initial acting role.[89]
Budget
Uri Monson
Former Philadelphia school CFO.[89]
Community and Economic Development
Rick Siger
Confirmed 2023.[86][89]
Conservation and Natural Resources
Cindy Adams Dunn
Retained from prior administration.[89]
Corrections
Dr. Laurel R. Harry
Focus on rehabilitation.[89]
Drug and Alcohol Programs
Dr. Latika Davis-Jones
Public health expertise.[89]
Education (Acting)
Dr. Carrie Rowe
Nomination advanced August 2025.[90][89]
Environmental Protection
Jessica Shirley
Industry background.[89]
General Services
Reggie McNeil
Confirmed June 2023; 27 years federal experience.[88][89]
Health
Dr. Debra L. Bogen
Pediatrician; confirmed after acting period.[89]
Human Services
Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH
Surgeon and former commissioner.[89]
Insurance
Michael Humphreys
Regulatory focus.[89]
Labor and Industry
Nancy Walker
Workforce development.[89]
Revenue
Pat Browne
Former Republican legislator.[89]
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Al Schmidt
Republican; election oversight.[89]
Transportation
Michael Carroll
Infrastructure emphasis.[89]
Additional roles, such as State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris and Attorney General Michelle Henry (retained from her prior elected role), report to the cabinet structure.[89] The appointments reflect Shapiro's stated priority of assembling a team capable of addressing fiscal, public safety, and infrastructure challenges without reported partisan obstructions in the confirmation process.[94]
Economic and fiscal policies
As governor, Josh Shapiro has pursued fiscal policies centered on expanding state investments in workforce development, education, and infrastructure while delivering targeted tax relief to residents, though his budgets have faced Republican criticism for promoting deficits and unsustainable spending growth. His 2023-24 enacted budget avoided broad tax hikes and prioritized property tax rebates, expanding eligibility to provide $304 million in relief to over 500,000 Pennsylvanians, including seniors and families.[95][96] For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the budget included over $1 billion in additional K-12 education funding and $140 million for higher education grants without new taxes, reflecting a focus on human capital investment to drive economic growth.[96]Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, unveiled on February 4, 2025, sought $51.5 billion in spending—a $3.6 billion or 7.5% increase over the prior year—emphasizing cost reductions in healthcare, housing, and energy alongside public safety and economic initiatives.[97][98] Key revenue measures included legalizing adult-use cannabis for taxation and imposing a tax on video gaming machines to generate funds without raising income or sales taxes, while eliminating certain tax credits like those for waterfront development and video games to offset costs.[99][100] The proposal also featured a state-level carbon cap-and-trade program, returning 70% of revenues to households via electric bill rebates, alongside energy tax breaks aimed at job creation and consumer savings through the "Lightning Plan."[101][102]These plans have sparked partisan divides, with Republican-led Senate proposals countering at $47.9 billion and rejecting deficit spending, prompting Shapiro to dismiss them as "unserious" amid a stalemate persisting into October 2025 that risks government shutdowns.[103][104] Critics from conservative outlets like the Commonwealth Foundation argue the approach projects a $7 billion deficit, potentially necessitating income tax hikes of up to 52% on families, while prioritizing spending over fiscal restraint.[104][105] Shapiro has countered by highlighting workforce expansion efforts, such as $50 million for home repairs and $10 million for first-time buyer assistance, to address housing costs and stimulate economic activity.[106] Overall, his policies align with Democratic priorities of targeted relief and investment but have not resolved underlying structural deficits, as evidenced by ongoing legislative gridlock.[107]
Public safety and crime policies
As governor, Shapiro has prioritized reducing gun violence through executive actions and budget proposals, including the re-establishment of the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention on September 10, 2024, via Executive Order 2024-02, placing it under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and led by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis.[108] The office focuses on developing a statewide gun violence prevention plan, addressing youth involvement in gun crimes, and coordinating multi-agency efforts to enhance community safety.[109] In his 2024-25 budget, Shapiro proposed $100 million for gun violence prevention programs, including community interventions and law enforcement support, emphasizing targeted investments in high-crime areas like Philadelphia.[110]Shapiro's administration reports significant declines in violent crime metrics since January 2023, attributing them in part to these initiatives alongside law enforcement partnerships. State data indicate gun violence incidents fell 42% and gun deaths decreased 38% through mid-2025, while homicides dropped 23% in 2024—outpacing the national decline of 15%—with 30 counties recording reductions.[111][112] In September 2025, Shapiro highlighted Chester, Pennsylvania, as a model for crime reduction, citing collaborative policing strategies that contributed to lower violent crime rates in the city.[113] These trends align with a broader national post-pandemic decrease in urban violent crime, though Pennsylvania's improvements have exceeded averages in categories like homicides.[114]On policing and enforcement, Shapiro has advocated for increased funding and resources for law enforcement, including proposals to bolster recruitment and training amid staffing shortages.[115] He has supported bipartisan criminal justice reforms, such as expanding the Clean Slate Act in 2023 to automatically seal more non-violent records, aiming to aid reentry and reduce recidivism without compromising public safety.[116] Additionally, Shapiro reformed probation practices to prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration for low-risk offenders, delivering on campaign promises to make the system "more just and fair."[117][118]Shapiro has pushed legislative gun control measures, urging Senate Republicans in June 2023 to pass bills restricting firearms for domestic abusers and criminals, and in 2025 supporting advances in proposals to ban unserialized "ghost guns," require universal background checks for long guns, and prohibit devices converting semi-automatic firearms to fully automatic.[119][120] These efforts faced partisan resistance, with no major enactments by October 2025, though the administration credits executive-led interventions for interim progress in violence reduction.[121]
Education initiatives
Shapiro's administration has prioritized substantial increases in K-12 education funding, enacting the largest single-year boost in Pennsylvania history with $1.1 billion added in the 2024-25 budget, including $526 million distributed through a new adequacy formula targeting underfunded districts as mandated by a 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling on funding disparities.[122][123] This formula aims to achieve per-pupil spending targets based on demonstrated needs, with additional allocations of $100 million for special education, $100 million for cyber charter reimbursements, and $20 million for school safety enhancements.[122] The 2023-24 budget similarly delivered historic increases, building on Shapiro's campaign pledges to address inequities without initially tying funds to private school vouchers.[124]Among targeted programs, the administration expanded access to universal free school breakfast, funded by a $46.5 million increase in the 2023-24 budget, enabling over 1.7 million public school students to receive meals regardless of income and serving more than 23 million breakfasts annually to reduce hunger-related barriers to learning.[125] Student teacher stipends were doubled to $20 million to combat shortages, while $100 million was allocated for mental health services and $3 million for student health supplies like menstrual products.[122] Proposals for cyber charter reforms, including a uniform statewide tuition rate, seek to curb costs exceeding $1 billion annually for virtual schooling, though legislative progress remains pending.[126]In higher education, Shapiro signed legislation in July 2024 enacting the most significant reforms in decades, creating a State Board of Higher Education to coordinate public and private institutions using student data for accountability and workforce alignment, alongside a performance-based funding council for state-related universities.[127] The 2024-25 budget included a 6% increase ($15.7 million) for community colleges, a similar rise ($35.1 million) for Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools, and over $120 million in scholarships and grants, such as $28 million for high-demand fields and $54 million more for PHEAA aid to enhance affordability and economic mobility.[127]Shapiro has emphasized expanding career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeships to prepare students for in-demand jobs, investing $30 million more in CTE and dual enrollment, securing $30 million for vo-tech programs, and supporting over 40 new registered apprenticeship programs since 2023, including $3 million statewide and $5 million for targeted expansions like steamfitters training.[122][128] These efforts created a first-in-nation job training initiative and trained over 34,000 apprentices, aiming to bridge skills gaps amid stagnant proficiency rates, where roughly half of 8th graders remain below grade level in reading despite funding surges.[129][130]On school choice, Shapiro campaigned on and advocated for "Lifeline Scholarships" providing taxpayer-funded vouchers for students in low-performing schools, arguing they empower parental options in failing districts.[131] However, facing resistance from Democratic legislators and unions, he excluded vouchers from final budget deals in 2023 and 2024 to prioritize public funding gains, drawing criticism from conservatives for abandoning reform in favor of spending without structural changes.[132] Public polls indicate majority opposition to vouchers, influencing the compromise.[133]
Infrastructure and transportation
In June 2023, shortly after taking office, Governor Shapiro responded to the collapse of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caused by a tanker truck fire, issuing a disaster emergency proclamation to expedite repairs and allocate initial state funding of $7 million.[134][135] Coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies, the administration achieved a temporary reopening of the highway in just 12 days through innovative stabilization techniques, followed by permanent repairs completed less than a year later.[136][137]The Shapiro administration has prioritized multimodal transportation investments, signing the 2024-25 bipartisan budget that included $80.5 million for road and bridge repairs, enabling over $51 million in funding for 66 projects aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and local economies statewide.[138] Under this funding, Pennsylvania repaired more structurally deficient bridges in the previous year than any other state, addressing a long-standing infrastructure backlog.[139] Specific initiatives include improvements to the Bayfront Parkway in Erie for better access and safety.[140]Shapiro has advocated for increased public transit funding, proposing in the 2025-26 budget $292 million in new allocations to support 52 transit systems serving nearly one million daily riders, marking the first major state increase in over a decade.[141] To address SEPTA's fiscal crisis, the administration approved a $394 million transfer from capital funds to operations in September 2025, including $153 million redirected from highway allocations, providing temporary relief and averting service cuts.[142][143] This measure, part of broader efforts to sustain mass transit, has drawn Republican criticism for diverting road funds but aligns with Shapiro's push for sustainable multimodal systems.[144]
Energy and environmental approaches
As governor, Josh Shapiro has pursued an energy strategy emphasizing Pennsylvania's role as a major natural gas producer while incorporating elements of emissions reduction and renewable expansion, framed as balancing economic growth with environmental goals. His administration highlights the state's natural gas sector, which generated over $50 billion in economic impact and supported 500,000 jobs as of 2023, as a foundation for energy independence and affordability.[145] Shapiro has opposed federal restrictions on fracking, criticizing the Biden administration's pause on liquefied natural gas exports in 2024 as harmful to Pennsylvania's industry, which accounts for about half of U.S. Marcellus Shale production.[146] At the same time, his policies include regulatory measures on fracking, such as a January 2024 Department of Environmental Protection rule mandating disclosure of all hydraulic fracturing chemicals used in drilling operations, building on his time as attorney general when he prosecuted drillers for environmental violations and issued a 2020 grand jury report recommending stricter oversight.[147][148]In January 2025, Shapiro unveiled the "Lightning Plan," a legislative package aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure, projected to create thousands of jobs and lower consumer costs through incentives for "next-generation" projects including natural gas, nuclear, and renewables. Key components include the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), which proposes raising the state's clean energy requirement to 35% by 2035 (with extensions to 2040 in some versions), encompassing solar, wind, nuclear, and low-emission gas technologies; the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act (PACER), a state-specific cap-and-trade program to limit power sector emissions as an alternative to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI); and reforms to energy efficiency standards.[145][149][150] Proponents, including environmental groups like the Environmental Defense Fund, argue it diversifies the energy mix and addresses climate impacts, while critics from conservative outlets contend that mandates like PRESS could raise electricity rates without significant global emissions reductions, given Pennsylvania's 1% share of worldwide CO2 output.[150][151]Shapiro's approach to regional climate initiatives has shifted from his predecessor Tom Wolf's efforts to join RGGI, a multi-state cap-and-trade system ruled unconstitutional by Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court in 2023 for functioning as an unapproved tax. While initially appealing the decision, Shapiro's administration has pivoted to PACER, which would generate revenue for clean energy investments estimated at $252 million in ratepayer savings over five years, avoiding RGGI's broader interstate obligations.[149][152] In October 2025, the state Senate passed bipartisan legislation to repeal any RGGI participation, reflecting ongoing resistance to perceived energy taxes.[153]On grid reliability, Shapiro has criticized the PJM Interconnection regional operator for inefficiencies contributing to high costs, threatening in September 2025 to withdraw Pennsylvania unless reforms occur within months, citing the need to integrate more in-state generation like natural gas to avoid blackouts and leverage federal infrastructure funds.[154] His administration has drawn down over $120 million in federal grants for emissions reductions and clean energy, including air quality improvements, though public health advocates argue protections against fracking's local impacts—such as wastewater and air pollution—remain inadequate, with only partial implementation of the 2020 grand jury's eight recommendations after five years.[155][156] Partnerships with gas firms like CNX Resources for emissions pilots have drawn fire from environmentalists for prioritizing industry collaboration over stringent curbs.[157] Overall, Shapiro's policies reflect a pragmatic embrace of Pennsylvania's fossil fuel dominance—fracking permits rose under his watch—tempered by incremental clean energy pushes, amid debates over whether they sufficiently mitigate climate risks or unduly burden ratepayers.[158][159]
Immigration and border security
As Pennsylvania Attorney General from 2017 to 2023, Josh Shapiro joined multiple lawsuits challenging Trump administration immigration enforcement policies. In June 2018, he co-led a suit by 22 states against the federal government's "zero-tolerance" family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing it violated due process and endangered children.[160][161] In August 2019, Shapiro and five other attorneys general filed suit opposing the "public charge" rule, which expanded grounds for denying green cards to immigrants likely to use public benefits, contending it unlawfully deterred legal immigration by low-income applicants.[162][163] He also participated in litigation blocking the 2017 travel ban on nationals from several Muslim-majority countries and, in 2019, joined 20 attorneys general suing over expanded family detention proposals.[164][165] Shapiro declined to join a 2019 multi-state suit directly challenging border wall funding but stated he would litigate if Pennsylvania incurred financial losses from federal actions.[166]As Governor since January 2023, Shapiro has opposed deploying Pennsylvania National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. In March 2024, he rejected a state Senate resolution urging such deployment to assist Texas amid record migrant encounters, emphasizing that border security is a federal responsibility under the Constitution.[167][168] Similar Republican-led resolutions in February and March 2024 called for Guard assistance to counter fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling, but Shapiro maintained the stance, citing limited state resources and federal primacy.[169][170]Shapiro's administration has prioritized protections for immigrant communities in Pennsylvania, a state with approximately 800,000 foreign-born residents as of 2023 Census data. Early in his term, he issued executive orders shielding state agencies from sharing non-criminal immigration data with federal authorities and expanded access to driver's licenses for undocumented individuals.[171] In September 2025, immigrant advocacy groups rallied at the state capitol demanding Shapiro end local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers, though his office has not announced policy changes amid rising federal deportation priorities under the second Trump administration.[172] Shapiro has publicly criticized Trump-era and renewed enforcement measures, including mass deportation plans, as economically disruptive—linking prior travel restrictions to reduced international tourism in Pennsylvania, which saw a 15% drop in overseas visitors from 2019 to 2020 per state tourism data.[173][174]Critics, including Pennsylvania Senate Republicans, have accused Shapiro of neglecting border-related threats spilling into the state, such as increased fentanyl seizures—Pennsylvania recorded over 2,400 overdose deaths involving the drug in 2023 per state health department figures—and migrant-related crime, arguing his refusal to deploy Guard resources exacerbates national vulnerabilities.[175] Shapiro counters that states cannot unilaterally secure federal borders and has affirmed readiness to challenge any unauthorized federal mobilization of Pennsylvania Guard units without gubernatorial consent.[176]
Health and social welfare policies
As governor, Shapiro has prioritized combating the opioid epidemic through allocation of settlement funds secured during his tenure as attorney general, including over $2.2 billion statewide from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.[63] These resources have supported the opening of new substance use disorder recovery centers, such as one in Schuylkill County on April 30, 2025, and expanded community-based treatment programs with nearly $1.5 million invested in March 2025.[177][178] A dedicated website launched in 2025 tracks expenditure of these funds toward prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.[179]In broader healthcare access, Shapiro's administration has implemented interstate licensing compacts for nurses, physicians, and physical therapists effective July 7, 2025, to address workforce shortages and streamline credentialing across states.[180] The 2025-26 budget proposal includes $20 million in additional funding for county-level behavioral health services to bolster workforce capacity and service delivery.[102] On October 1, 2025, Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-02, directing state agencies to safeguard vaccine access and decision-making authority at the state level, citing concerns over potential federal shifts away from evidence-based public health practices.[181] This order empowers agencies like the Department of Health to maintain vaccination programs independently.[182]Shapiro has advocated for measures to curb private equity influence in healthcare providers, announcing a plan on May 15, 2025, to protect patient care quality and affordability.[183] His budgets emphasize lowering prescription drug costs and expanding public health investments, though federal proposals for Medicaid reforms have drawn administration warnings of coverage losses for up to 570,000 Pennsylvanians if enacted, a projection disputed by analysts for overstating impacts beyond work requirements and eligibility verifications.[184][185][186]On social welfare, Shapiro's administration has defended programs like SNAP amid federal funding debates, proposing state investments to support low-income families and farmers in the 2025-26 budget while highlighting risks of cuts that could affect monthly benefits for over 1.8 million recipients. Critics, including federal oversight reports, have pointed to state-level administrative inefficiencies in SNAP processing, such as backlogs and error rates exceeding national averages, potentially wasting taxpayer dollars.[187] The administration has streamlined unemployment compensation, reducing backlogs and improving access for those facing job loss, as noted in an August 19, 2025, update.[188]Budget priorities under Shapiro include enhanced Department of Human Services funding for continuity of care, recidivism reduction through reentry supports, and $4.8 million for Medicaid coverage of individuals transitioning from incarceration in the 2025 proposal.[189][190] The administration maintains Pennsylvania leads in detecting Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, with policies explicitly barring undocumented immigrants from eligibility.[191] Overall, fiscal plans focus on targeted expansions in behavioral health and family supports without broad welfare restructuring.[97]
Empirical outcomes and measurable impacts
Under Governor Josh Shapiro's administration, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate averaged 3.4 percent in 2024, remaining below the national average and reflecting record-low levels consistent with pre-existing trends from late 2023 at 3.5 percent.[192][193] The state economy expanded through 2025, positioning Pennsylvania as the only Northeastern state with positive growth amid regional stagnation, supported by over 4,700 new jobs and $3 billion in private investments tied to development incentives.[194][195]Fiscal outcomes included a $6.6 billion general fund surplus at the end of fiscal year 2023-24, bolstered by $321 million in excess revenue collections for fiscal year 2024-25, though independent projections forecast depletion to a $1.57 billion deficit by fiscal year 2025-26 due to sustained spending increases exceeding 6 percent annually.[196][197] The enacted $47.6 billion budget for 2024-25 represented a 6.2 percent rise from prior levels, prioritizing education and transit without new broad-based taxes.[198]Crime metrics showed an 8.3 percent statewide decline from 2023 to 2024, aligning with a national drop in violent crime of 4.5 percent per FBI data, while administration reports cited a 42 percent reduction in gun violence incidents since January 2023.[199][200][201]In education, state assessment proficiency rates for 2023-24 indicated modest gains in math (40.2 percent, up from 38.3 percent the prior year) and science (59.2 percent, up from 58.9 percent), but a slight decline in English language arts to 53.9 percent from 54.5 percent, with overall proficiency remaining below 50 percent in core subjects amid persistent post-pandemic gaps evidenced by national NAEP scores where 69 percent of eighth graders failed math proficiency.[202][203]Infrastructure efforts yielded measurable progress, with over 6,000 miles of roadways improved and 488 bridges repaired or replaced in 2024 alone, exceeding prior years and ranking Pennsylvania first nationally in addressing poor-condition bridges during the preceding year.[204][205]Opioid-related overdose deaths decreased from 4,719 in 2023 to approximately 3,330 in 2024, mirroring a national 20 percent drop in the latter half of 2023, following policies including the permanent classification of xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance after its involvement in 1,135 deaths that year.[206][207][208]
Major controversies and criticisms
Shapiro has faced criticism for his administration's handling of sexual harassment allegations, particularly involving senior aides. In October 2023, his longtime legislative liaison Mike Vereb resigned following accusations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment toward female staffers, prompting questions about Shapiro's prior knowledge and response as governor.[209] Earlier, during his tenure as attorney general, Shapiro's office was accused of mishandling a 2018 sexual harassment complaint against a state employee under the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, with critics including the National Women's Law Center arguing that the internal investigation was inadequate and failed to ensure accountability.[210][211]As a potential vice-presidential candidate in 2024, Shapiro drew scrutiny from progressive activists and Democratic constituencies over his policy positions and pro-Israel stance. Critics, including labor unions and pro-Palestinian groups, highlighted his initial support for a $100 million school voucher program in 2023—a deal he later abandoned amid opposition from teachers' unions—arguing it diverted public funds to private schools without sufficient oversight.[212] His vocal criticism of university responses to pro-Palestinian campus protests, including comparisons of some demonstrators to the Ku Klux Klan, alienated left-leaning voters who viewed such rhetoric as inflammatory and dismissive of free speech concerns.[213][214] These positions were cited by outlets like Jacobin as evidence of Shapiro's willingness to prioritize moderate or establishment views over progressive priorities, potentially complicating Democratic coalition-building.[215]Conservative critics have accused Shapiro of policy inconsistencies, particularly on energy and fiscal matters. During his 2022 campaign, he opposed Pennsylvania's entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade program viewed as an energy tax increasing costs for consumers; however, after taking office, his administration continued participation pending litigation, leading to claims of hypocrisy from groups like the Commonwealth Foundation.[7] Additionally, Shapiro's support for Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel in 2023-2024 drew bipartisan backlash for risking American jobs, despite his public emphasis on economic competitiveness.[7] Legislative productivity has also been a point of contention, with analyses noting that by mid-2025, Shapiro had signed fewer bills (217 in his first two years) than recent predecessors, attributed by detractors to partisan gridlock and over-reliance on executive actions.[216]Shapiro's involvement in addressing antisemitism at the University of Pennsylvania has raised concerns about overreach into institutional autonomy and free speech. In 2023-2024, as governor, he pressured Penn's leadership to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and enhance campus security, contributing to the resignation of university president Liz Magill; free speech advocates, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), argued this blurred lines between state influence and academic independence, potentially chilling protected expression.[8][217]
National profile and 2024 election involvement
Vice-presidential vetting and selection process
Following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on July 21, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris accelerated the vetting of potential running mates, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro positioned as a leading contender due to his strong approval ratings in the battleground state of Pennsylvania and his record of bipartisan legislative successes.[218][219] The vetting process, led by Harris's campaign team including senior advisors and external legal experts, involved extensive background reviews, financial disclosures, policy alignments, and personal interviews to assess compatibility, electability, and potential liabilities such as past statements on Israel that had drawn progressive criticism.[220]Shapiro underwent formal vetting in late July and early August 2024, including a private in-person interview with Harris over the weekend of August 2-3, during which sources reported he expressed reservations about departing his governorship prematurely, citing unfinished priorities like budget implementation and infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania.[221] Shapiro later described the decision as a "deeply personal" one, emphasizing his commitment to his state's residents over national ambitions at that juncture.[222] Despite his prominence—bolstered by Pennsylvania's 19 electoral votes and Shapiro's 2022 landslide gubernatorial victory—the process highlighted tensions, including scrutiny over his pro-Israel positions amid campus protests and intraparty debates, though Harris's team publicly downplayed religion or foreign policy as disqualifiers.[223][224]On August 6, 2024, Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, bypassing Shapiro in a choice attributed by campaign insiders to stronger personal rapport with Walz and perceptions of Shapiro's independent ambition potentially overshadowing the ticket, as detailed in post-campaign analyses.[225][226] Shapiro responded promptly with endorsement, pledging "enthusiastic support" for the Harris-Walz ticket while continuing to campaign actively in Pennsylvania, which ultimately went to Republican Donald Trump in November 2024.[227][219] The vetting elevated Shapiro's national profile but reinforced his focus on state governance, avoiding the risks of a premature federal leap.[228]
Post-election activities
Following the 2024 presidential election on November 5, in which Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issued a statement on November 7 congratulating Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, emphasizing that "the will of the people must be respected" and affirming his commitment as governor to protect all Pennsylvanians regardless of the national outcome.[229][230] In his first public appearance after the results on November 13, Shapiro reiterated that his policy priorities for Pennsylvania, including economic growth and public safety, would remain unchanged despite the shift in federal leadership.[231]In a January 10, 2025, interview, Shapiro discussed the election's implications for Pennsylvania, expressing willingness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration on shared interests such as infrastructure and economic development while maintaining state-level initiatives.[232] Throughout 2025, Shapiro leveraged his national visibility—stemming from his prior consideration as Harris's running mate—to serve as a Democratic surrogate in other states, including planned appearances in Virginia and New Jersey to support Democratic gubernatorial candidates amid competitive races.[233][234] This included campaigning in Virginia, where early voting was underway by late October 2025 for the race to replace Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.[234]Shapiro also reflected publicly on the Democratic campaign's shortcomings, recounting in an October 2025 interview how he had urged President Biden earlier in the year to reassess his viability as a candidate, highlighting internal party challenges that contributed to the loss.[235] In September 2025, he responded to details in Harris's memoir 107 Days regarding the vice-presidential selection process, defending his own record without endorsing the final choice of Tim Walz.[236] These activities underscored Shapiro's ongoing national engagement while prioritizing his gubernatorial responsibilities, amid announcements of a forthcoming memoir set for release in January 2026.[237]
Key positions and worldview
Views on Israel and antisemitism
Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish and observant, has articulated a staunch defense of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and its prerogative to self-defense against terrorism. Following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages taken, Shapiro issued a statement condemning the "horrific acts of war" as "abhorrent" and rejecting any moral equivalency between the perpetrators and Israel's response.[238][239] He emphasized Israel's "responsibility" to defeat Hamas, describing the group as a terrorist organization whose elimination is necessary for regional security, while criticizing attempts to justify the attacks through "whataboutism."[240][241]Shapiro has maintained this position amid shifting Democratic polling on Israel, stating in September 2025 that public opinion would not alter his support for the Jewish state.[242] He supports a two-state solution but has expressed skepticism about its feasibility under current Palestinian leadership, evolving from a 1993 college opinion piece where he argued peace "will never come" to the region due to entrenched rejectionism—a view he later attributed to youthful analysis informed by subsequent events.[243][244] While endorsing Israel's military actions post-October 7, Shapiro has critiqued Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, labeling him "one of the worst leaders of all time" for policies that, in his assessment, isolate Israel internationally and exacerbate humanitarian challenges in Gaza, such as urging U.S. aid to prevent starvation there.[245][246]On antisemitism, Shapiro has positioned himself as an outspoken adversary, advocating for bipartisan efforts to combat it amid rising incidents following October 7.[247] His administration influenced the University of Pennsylvania's response to campus antisemitism allegations in 2023-2024, pushing for accountability amid protests that blurred into anti-Jewish hostility.[248] Shapiro condemned a April 2025 arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion—confirmed by state police as motivated by antisemitism and his pro-Israel stance—as a "heinous act," linking it to broader threats against Jews.[249][250] He has faced personal antisemitic backlash for his views, including criticism from progressive and Muslim communities, yet maintains that such opposition does not sway his commitment to Israel's security or the fight against Jew-hatred.[213][251]
Broader ideological stances
Shapiro has positioned himself as a pragmatic Democrat emphasizing bipartisanship and problem-solving over ideological purity, collaborating with Republican legislators on initiatives such as infrastructure funding and regulatory reforms during his tenure as governor.[252][253] This approach has earned him a reputation as a centrist within his party, with analysts noting his willingness to prioritize measurable outcomes like economic growth over partisan demands.[254][255]On economic matters, Shapiro advocates for reducing Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax rate to 4.99% by 2029 to enhance competitiveness, while proposing increased state investments in workforce development and public education to address skill gaps and drive long-term growth.[99][102] His 2025-26 budget proposal, totaling $51.5 billion, balances these cuts with new revenue from legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding gaming, amid criticisms from fiscal conservatives that it risks higher overall spending and deficits.[256][257]In education policy, Shapiro prioritizes substantial funding increases for public schools, including $225 million more for basic education and $100 million for special education in his recent proposals, arguing that such investments reduce local property tax reliance and improve outcomes without endorsing voucher programs favored by some reformers.[258][259] On law enforcement and crime, he has maintained a tough stance rooted in his experience as attorney general, focusing on prosecuting corruption and opioid traffickers, though detractors attribute rising urban crime rates in Pennsylvania to policies under Democratic governance including his administration.[260][261]
Assassination attempt and security incidents
2025 arson attack details
On April 13, 2025, Cody A. Balmer, a 38-year-old Pennsylvania resident, carried out an arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in Harrisburg while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.[262][263] Balmer threw multiple Molotov cocktails through windows, igniting fires that caused millions of dollars in damage to the structure, including significant portions of the first floor and surrounding areas.[264][265] Authorities reported that Balmer had breached the perimeter with minimal resistance, entering the grounds undetected initially, and carried a small sledgehammer with intent to physically assault Shapiro if encountered.[266][267]Balmer was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene, with evidence including surveillance footage, incendiary devices recovered from his vehicle, and his own admissions during interrogation.[268][269] He confessed to planning the attack as a political assassination attempt, motivated by opposition to Shapiro's pro-Israel positions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, including statements Balmer viewed as insufficiently supportive of Palestinian causes.[269][270] No injuries occurred, as Shapiro's family evacuated safely after smoke alarms activated, though the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in residence security protocols.[271][272]On October 14, 2025, Balmer pleaded guilty in Dauphin County Court to 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, attempted murder, terrorism, burglary, and aggravated assault, among other charges, under a plea deal resulting in a sentence of 25 to 50 years imprisonment.[262][263][271] Prosecutors described the act as a deliberate effort to endanger the governor's life, with Balmer's writings and statements indicating premeditated intent tied to ideological grievances.[267] The attack prompted immediate investigations by Pennsylvania State Police and federal agencies, leading to enhanced security measures at the residence, including structural reinforcements and surveillance upgrades estimated at over $1 million in taxpayer-funded costs.[264][265]
Aftermath and implications
Following Cody Balmer's guilty plea on October 14, 2025, to charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism for the April 13, 2025, arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, he was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison under a negotiated agreement.[273][274] The plea followed surveillance footage and Balmer's confession detailing his intent to assault Shapiro with a sledgehammer after igniting Molotov cocktails, which caused significant fire damage to two rooms but no injuries as the family was evacuated.[275][262] Shapiro described the outcome as a "just" resolution, emphasizing that it held the perpetrator accountable for attempting to "burn our family to death" while they slept during Passover.[272]The incident inflicted lasting emotional effects on Shapiro and his family, with the governor publicly acknowledging in September 2025 that political violence "leaves scars" he continues to "battle," particularly in reassuring his four children amid heightened fears.[276] No physical harm occurred, but the attack disrupted residence operations, forcing temporary relocations and repairs estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, covered by state funds. In response, Pennsylvania allocated approximately $1 million for security enhancements to Shapiro's private home in Montgomery County, including fortified barriers and surveillance, reflecting broader concerns over vulnerabilities exposed at the official Harrisburg site.[265]The event amplified discussions on escalating threats to elected officials, with Shapiro linking it to a pattern of political violence and, given its timing during Passover and his Jewish faith, to rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S., though Balmer's explicit motives remained tied to personal grievance rather than ideology per court records.[277][278] It prompted calls for federal and state reviews of protective protocols for governors, underscoring causal risks from lax perimeter security—Balmer scaled a fence undetected—and the implications for democratic stability when targeted violence against Jewish leaders evokes historical precedents like the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting.[273][279] No evidence emerged of coordinated networks, but the case highlighted empirical gaps in threat assessment, as Balmer, a 38-year-old Harrisburg resident with no prior violent record, acted alone after acquiring materials locally.[280]
Personal life
Family and religious observance
Shapiro married Lori Shapiro in 1997; the couple met while attending the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, a Jewish day school.[281][282] They have four children—Sophia (born circa 2001), Jonah, Max, and Reuben—all of whom attended Jewish day school.[283][281] Lori Shapiro has worked as a trained parenting educator, applying her expertise within their family and community.[283]Shapiro, raised in a Jewish family in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, maintains an observant lifestyle, including adherence to kosher dietary laws and Shabbat observance.[284][285] He has emphasized his faith publicly, such as during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, where advertisements highlighted his Shabbat practices and commitment to Jewish education for his children.[284] In 2023, Shapiro was sworn in as governor using a historic Jewish Bible from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, underscoring his religious identity.[286] He has described his Judaism as central to his life, integrating it with civic duties while prioritizing "getting stuff done" in governance.[12]
Health and public persona
Shapiro tested positive for COVID-19 on May 17, 2022, during his gubernatorial campaign, reporting mild symptoms and isolating while continuing virtual events.[287] No chronic or ongoing health conditions have been publicly reported for Shapiro, who at age 52 maintains an active schedule as governor. He promotes personal and public fitness through state initiatives, such as the Move Your Way campaign encouraging adults to achieve 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and two days of muscle-strengthening weekly.[288] In January 2025, Shapiro discussed his own fitness habits alongside 2024 health policy efforts to enhance Pennsylvanians' well-being.[289]Shapiro cultivates a public persona emphasizing pragmatism, bipartisanship, and direct engagement, often described as that of an effective problem-solver who prioritizes results over partisan divides.[252] His communication style features strong oratory skills, with Shapiro himself citing Barack Obama as the greatest orator of his lifetime while defending his emphatic delivery against mimicry accusations.[290] On social media, he employs relatable, lighthearted content—including pop culture references and lip-sync videos—earning the moniker "TikTok Josh" for modernizing gubernatorial outreach.[291] This approach bolsters his image as approachable and dynamic, reinforced by his sports fandom, such as calling into radio shows pseudonymously as "Josh from Juniata."[292]Critics, including conservative outlets, argue Shapiro's persona veers into self-promotion, pointing to his administration's near-doubling of communications staff to about $3 million annually in taxpayer funds for press and social media efforts.[293] Such expansions have drawn media scrutiny for opacity and vanity, contrasting with his touted efficiency.[293]
Electoral history
Shapiro began his electoral career with a successful run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 153rd district in 2004, defeating the incumbent Republican and securing reelection in subsequent cycles through 2010.[21]In 2011, Shapiro was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, running alongside Democrat Leslie Richards to secure a Democratic majority on the board for the first time in over 140 years.[26][25]
Party
Candidate
Votes
Percentage
Democratic
Josh Shapiro
3,057,010
51.39%
Republican
John Rafferty Jr.
2,893,962
48.61%
Total
5,950,972
100%
Shapiro defeated Republican state Senator John Rafferty Jr. in the 2016 attorney general election.[294]
Party
Candidate
Votes
Percentage
Democratic
Josh Shapiro (incumbent)
3,461,472
50.85%
Republican
Heather Heidelbaugh
3,153,831
46.34%
Green
Richard L. Weiss
97,736
1.43%
Libertarian
Daniel R. Wassmer
81,247
1.19%
Total
6,794,286
99.81%
Shapiro won reelection as attorney general in 2020 by a narrow margin over Republican Heather Heidelbaugh, despite the statewide presidential contest being closely contested.[295]
Party
Candidates
Votes
Percentage
Democratic
Josh Shapiro / Austin Davis
3,031,137
56.49%
Republican
Doug Mastriano / Carrie del Rosso
2,268,138
42.30%
Forward
Matt Stack / Harry Wilson
62,478
1.14%
Libertarian
Christiana Killackey Hazell / L. Chris Brennan
40,551
0.75%
Green
Richard L. Weiss / Donna Miller
11,781
0.22%
Total
5,414,085
100%
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Shapiro defeated Republican state Representative Doug Mastriano by a wide margin, receiving more votes than any prior candidate for the office in Pennsylvania history.[4][296]