Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has officially launched his 2026 re-election campaign, amid growing speculation about a potential presidential run in 2028.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro officially kicked off his 2026 re-election campaign on Thursday, positioning himself as a strong candidate for a potential Democratic presidential run in 2028. In a campaign launch video shared with Fox News Digital, Shapiro emphasized his pragmatic approach to governance and his commitment to improving the lives of Pennsylvanians.
“We’ve gotten things done all across our Commonwealth to make a real difference in people’s lives. Now, Pennsylvania is open for business,” Shapiro stated, echoing his unofficial campaign slogan.
Shapiro, who was considered a top contender on then-Vice President Kamala Harris’s shortlist for running mate in the summer of 2024, highlighted his administration’s response to a significant infrastructure challenge. He referenced the rapid rebuilding of an interstate overpass that collapsed in 2023, which had disrupted one of the nation’s busiest highways.
“When disaster struck, others underestimated us. But I never did. We reopened and were ready for travelers just 12 days after a devastating collapse,” Shapiro said in the video. “We cut through the red tape to get I-95 rebuilt in record time, using materials from a Pennsylvania business and the expertise of Pennsylvania union workers.”
The video showcases Shapiro’s accomplishments while also underscoring his bipartisan efforts. He noted that despite a divided state legislature, he has worked collaboratively to address issues that have persisted for decades. “But there’s always more to do—more people to help, more Pennsylvanians to protect, more bridges to build,” he added.
Following the video launch, Shapiro is scheduled to hold campaign kickoff events in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. His campaign launch comes shortly after he announced impressive fundraising figures, reporting $10 million raised in the final quarter of last year and starting the new year with over $30 million in his campaign coffers.
Shapiro, a former two-term Pennsylvania attorney general, previously won the gubernatorial election by defeating conservative state Senator Doug Mastriano by a significant 15-point margin in a key battleground state. As he prepares for the upcoming election, he is likely to face state Treasurer Stacy Garrity as his Republican challenger.
Garrity has already secured endorsements from various Pennsylvania Republicans, including the state GOP, as she aims to avoid a costly and divisive primary. Notably, Mastriano, who had been considering another run for governor, announced on Wednesday that he would not be entering the race this year.
Critics of Shapiro have pointed to various challenges facing the state. “The truth is that Josh Shapiro ignored the problems facing hardworking Pennsylvanians to gallivant around the country to raise money from liberal billionaires,” said Matt Beynon, a senior adviser to Garrity’s campaign. He highlighted issues such as low reading levels among eighth graders, the condition of the state’s bridges, and the high tax burden on Pennsylvania families.
Despite these criticisms, Shapiro enters the new year with strong approval ratings and favorable public opinion polls. His campaign has described him as being “in a position of unprecedented strength,” citing record fundraising and cash balance for a gubernatorial campaign in Pennsylvania during an off-year election cycle.
A decisive victory in the upcoming election could provide Shapiro with significant momentum as he navigates a potentially crowded field for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. This field may include candidates with higher name recognition, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo noted, “Anybody who has shown any interest in running for president will absolutely be closely watched during this year’s elections, and it’s only natural that they’ll be judged initially on their abilities in their home state.”
Behind the scenes, Shapiro has been actively strengthening his influence within the state party. He has worked to recruit candidates for congressional races in Pennsylvania, which are expected to be crucial in the battle for House majority during the midterm elections. Additionally, he campaigned for fellow Democrats in the state, contributing to significant victories in the recent off-year elections.
Shapiro’s efforts have not only raised his national profile but have also fueled speculation regarding his ambitions for 2028. However, Republican consultant John Brabender cautioned against overreaching. “The political graveyard is full of candidates who have miscalculated and have tried to run for multiple offices at the same time,” he warned, referencing Shapiro’s potential national aspirations.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Shapiro as he embarks on his re-election campaign while navigating the complexities of future presidential ambitions, according to Fox News Digital.