Shapiro launches reelection bid in Pennsylvania as 2028 looms

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Launches Reelection Campaign with Eyes on 2028

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially kicked off his reelection campaign, a move that could either catapult him towards a presidential bid in 2028 or serve as a formidable obstacle in that pursuit. In a recent campaign video, Shapiro boasted about his accomplishments during his first term, which range from the swift reconstruction of a collapsed Philadelphia bridge to the introduction of new tax credits. His rallying cry? “I’ve gotten things done, and I plan to keep getting things done.”

The polished two-and-a-half-minute video encapsulated several key themes resonating with Democratic voters for the upcoming 2026 elections: job creation, addressing the rising cost of living, and safeguarding abortion rights. Shapiro is set to emphasize the critical stakes for his party during rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia alongside his lieutenant governor, Austin Davis.

The outcome of the governor’s race will be pivotal for Shapiro’s aspirations to emerge as the Democratic frontrunner for 2028. His track record of sweeping electoral victories positions him as a formidable candidate capable of energizing down-ballot Democrats in one of the nation’s most crucial swing states.

The 52-year-old moderate Democrat has steadily ascended the political ladder over a span of more than two decades, transitioning from congressional aide to attorney general, and now to the top executive of Pennsylvania. Remarkably, he has never lost an election. His impressive 15-point victory in 2022 against Republican Doug Mastriano solidified his national profile, and his favorability ratings in a deeply polarized political climate remain unusually high — a factor that once placed him on the shortlist to be Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024.

J.J. Abbott, a Democratic strategist from Pennsylvania, noted that if Shapiro can again secure a significant victory in such a vital swing state, it would bolster his credentials for a potential 2028 candidacy.

Currently, Shapiro is not expected to face any serious primary challengers. His likely opponent in the November election will be Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who has the support of the state GOP, especially after Mastriano opted against seeking a rematch. A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates that Shapiro leads Garrity by 15 points.

As he embarks on his quest for a second term, Shapiro is among the ten most popular governors in the country. According to fall polling data, his approval rating among Pennsylvania voters is notably higher than that of other recent governors at a similar stage in their first terms. A late-September Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 60 percent of voters approved of his performance, while 51 percent rated him as doing a “good” or “excellent” job in an October Franklin and Marshall College poll — which includes half of independent voters and a quarter of Republicans.

However, the road ahead is far from smooth. Republicans are gearing up to challenge Shapiro, especially given the high stakes for control of a key swing state as the 2028 elections approach. Garrity has been vocal in her attempts to turn the narrative around Shapiro’s ambitions for higher office and his criticisms of former President Donald Trump into campaign fodder, suggesting he’s more preoccupied with his future than with the immediate needs of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Shapiro is set to embark on a book tour later this month for his forthcoming memoir, further fueling speculation about his 2028 aspirations.

The Pennsylvania GOP is also preparing to unveil a series of messages aimed at revealing supposed “years of corruption and scandal” associated with Shapiro. Both parties have pointed to controversies surrounding Shapiro’s handling of a former aide’s sexual harassment complaint and the opacity regarding renovations to his residences post-arson as potential vulnerabilities for the Republicans to exploit.

Political strategist Samuel Chen opined, “Shapiro has cultivated a clean-cut image that promotes cooperation. Any blemish could resonate negatively with Pennsylvania voters.” He added that if Garrity can strike effectively, figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are likely to take note, potentially incorporating any damaging insights into their own 2028 campaigns.

Additionally, Shapiro plans to invest significant political capital into down-ballot races this year, actively working to flip several congressional seats that could determine control of the House in 2027. Democrats are banking on his popularity to secure a trifecta in Harrisburg, which would not only bolster Shapiro’s policy agenda but also strengthen his position ahead of 2028.

Shapiro has also reinforced his influence over the state Democratic Party, placing allies in key positions, contributing $250,000 to enhance party infrastructure, and endorsing candidates across competitive races, such as the crowded Democratic primary aimed at unseating Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. While these maneuvers have drawn some criticism from prominent Democrats in the Lehigh Valley who support alternative candidates, they have nonetheless pledged their support for Shapiro.

Entering the election year, Shapiro boasts a formidable fundraising record, having amassed $23 million in 2025, with $10 million raised in the final quarter leading up to his campaign launch. His campaign war chest stands at an impressive $30 million, which his team claims is the highest recorded for any Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign to date. As of Wednesday, Garrity had yet to disclose her fundraising figures.