Gov. Josh Shapiro to enter governor's race
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Democrat Josh Shapiro is looking to maintain the governor's mansion in 2026. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty
Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to kick off his re-election bid on Thursday.
Why it matters: Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race could shape the outcome of crucial down-ballot races and boost the national profile of Shapiro ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle.
Driving the news: Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will mark their entrance into the race at an afternoon event in Pittsburgh and then in Philly later that night.
Reality check: This isn't a shocker.
- Shapiro has been setting the stage over the past year for his re-election campaign by raising his national profile, tightening his grip on Pennsylvania's Democratic Party, and penning a memoir.
The big picture: Shapiro is widely seen as a top Democratic presidential contender in 2028 — especially after making the shortlist to become former Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate last year.
- So a big re-election win this year in a battleground state could give him the edge in a Democratic presidential primary field that may include Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The other side: Republican Treasurer Stacy Garrity launched her bid for governor last summer and is now considered the GOP frontrunner.
- Plus: The Pennsylvania Republican Party has already backed her in an attempt to prevent a crowded and messy primary fight (like four years ago).
Zoom in: Shapiro, who lives in the Philly burb of Abington, is considered popular in the state while leading a divided government.
- Wins: Quickly reopening a stretch of I-95 in Philly after a deadly tanker fire; boosting state education funding;
- Vulnerabilities: Passing late budgets, including last year's four-month impasse that threatened state services, schools and county governments; and lingering questions over sexual harassment allegations against one of his top aides.
Between the lines: Shapiro faces a much tougher path to victory than four years ago.
- In 2021, Shapiro defeated Trump-backed candidate Doug Mastriano by double digits.
- Yes, but: Mastriano, who had little statewide recognition, ran an unconventional campaign on a shoestring budget that never really challenged Shapiro.
This time around, Garrity is considered a strong, popular candidate who is coming off back-to-back statewide wins for treasurer.
The intrigue: Much is at stake in this year's elections, and Shapiro will play a big role in down-ballot races.
- With all U.S. House seats on the ballot, Pennsylvania's delegation could help determine the balance of power in Congress next year.
- And all state representatives in the Pennsylvania House, which Democrats control, and half of the Senate (which Republicans lead) are up for grabs.
Catch up quick: Shapiro has risen through the ranks of Pennsylvania politics.
- He previously was the state's two-term attorney general.
- Before that, he served as a state representative and Montgomery County commissioner.
What's next: The primary is May 19.