Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro reelected
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Gov. Josh Shapiro in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Oct. 18. Photo: Heather Ainsworth/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won reelection Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, planting his flag as an electoral juggernaut in the nation's largest swing state.
Why it matters: Shapiro's victory underscores Democrats' strength in Pennsylvania, even as the state remains fiercely competitive in presidential elections.
- His victory boosts his national profile ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid.
The big picture: Shapiro hopes Democrats can secure a trifecta in the state government for the first time since 1993.
- If they do, Shapiro has said his first priorities are raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, codifying abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and creating an affordable housing plan.
The results: The Associated Press called the race at 8:01pm Tuesday, one minute after polls closed.
- Shapiro defeated Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
Zoom in: Shapiro secured 63% of the vote compared to Garrity's 36%, with 58% of the vote counted, as of 10:01pm.
- Libertarian Ken Krawchuk had about 1%.
What they're saying: Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale said Shapiro's win "sent a clear and resounding message: we are ready to keep moving forward with leaders who get stuff done and stand up for all Pennsylvanians."
Between the lines: Shapiro, 53, focused his campaign on sharp criticism of Trump — particularly how tariffs and the Iran war were driving up prices.
- He also touted his slogan, "get s––t done," by highlighting major bridge replacement projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that finished ahead of schedule.
- Shapiro shifted his stance on unpopular data centers and enacted some of the toughest restrictions in the country after he said he heard concerns about the projects from voters.
Stunning stat: His victory marks the first time since 1838–47 that Democrats have won four straight gubernatorial races in Pennsylvania.
What we're watching: During an October debate, when asked about a potential 2028 White House bid, Shapiro didn't close the door on that possibility.