President Joe Biden has stepped away from seeking reelection and now some very curious eyes are turning to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a potential vice presidential candidate. With Kamala Harris likely to become the Democratic nominee, the Governor’s name has come up in political discussions.
Josh Shapiro, born in 1973, has quickly climbed the political ladder in Pennsylvania. He started in the state’s House of Representatives, then became a county commissioner, and later won the race for state Attorney General. In 2022, he became Pennsylvania’s governor, winning by a wide margin.
Alison Dagnes, a political expert from Shippensburg University, explains why Shapiro is getting attention. She says,
“He’s shrewd, tech-savvy and a proven winner in the battleground state with the most Electoral College votes.”
Dagnes also noted that “his social media game is on point.”
As Attorney General, Josh Shapiro took on big issues. He released a report on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and worked on a large settlement with opioid companies. These actions put him in the national spotlight.
Now as governor, he has made some very interesting moves. He got rid of college degree requirements for many state jobs and told state workers to come back to the office. He’s also shown support for giving parents more school choices, which some Republicans like.
Shapiro has also handled some big events recently. When part of a major highway collapsed in Philadelphia, he pushed for quick repairs. When there was a shooting at a political rally in an attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump, Shapiro called for peace.
While it’s still early, Shapiro’s success in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, makes him someone to watch as the presidential race takes shape. His mix of policies and his appeal to different groups could make him an attractive choice for the Democratic ticket.
