Prediction Edge

Overview

Current roleGovernor

PartyDemocratic

Political ideologyModerate Democrat

Age53 years old (Jun 20, 1973)

GenderMale

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LocationPennsylvania

BackgroundPolitician

EducationUniversity of Rochester (BA)

Notable personal detailsJoshua David Shapiro is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023. He previously served as Pennsylvania Attorney General and as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He graduated from the University of Rochester and earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He is married to Lori Shapiro and they have four children.

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Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

As governor, Josh Shapiro has pursued a mix of tax policies: accelerating cuts to Pennsylvania’s corporate net income tax and cutting taxes for businesses and seniors, while also expanding refundable tax credits and creating a state Earned Income Tax Credit to provide relief for lower-income working families. His budgets include business-focused tax reductions combined with targeted tax credits and program investments rather than broad tax increases on high earners.

Healthcare

Supports expanding access to affordable health coverage and strengthening Medicaid and state programs rather than large-scale privatization or repeal; has signed laws and proposed state funding increases to improve access (telemedicine coverage, Medicaid funding, rural hospital support) and opposed federal Medicaid cuts. Focuses on expanding coverage and access through government programs and regulatory action rather than endorsing single‑payer proposals.

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Immigration & Border

Supports protecting DREAMers and recognizes the economic and social contributions of immigrants while opposing deployment of Pennsylvania National Guard troops to the southern border. Emphasizes the need for comprehensive federal immigration reform and maintains cooperation with federal authorities on public-safety cases, rejecting a sanctuary-state approach for Pennsylvania. Has condemned what he describes as federal overreach in aggressive immigration enforcement actions and signed proclamations marking Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day.

Abortion & Reproductive Rights

Supports legal access to abortion and reproductive health care in Pennsylvania, defends the availability of medication abortion including mifepristone, and has pledged to veto legislation that would ban or severely restrict abortion. Has directed administration actions to protect and expand access, including filing to challenge a Medicaid abortion-coverage ban and launching a state reproductive health resources website.

Climate & Energy

Supports state-led cap-and-invest to limit carbon emissions, increased renewable and clean-energy goals, and incentives for nuclear, hydrogen, battery storage and other low-emission technologies while allowing transitional uses of natural gas; emphasizes lowering consumer bills and job creation alongside emissions reductions.

Public Safety & Guns

Josh Shapiro supports expanding gun safety laws including universal/background checks, red flag (extreme risk) laws, regulation of ghost guns and restrictions on assault-style weapons while also funding violence-prevention programs and law enforcement resources. He has repeatedly called for closing background-check loopholes and has advocated passage of red flag legislation and measures to regulate ghost guns.

News

AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026

Josh Shapiro has joined Democratic leaders from nearly two dozen states in suing President Donald Trump over a new 15% global tariff, arguing Trump overstepped his authority under the Trade Act. He is also in an ongoing legal fight with neighbors over a property boundary at his Montgomery County home, with both sides alleging misconduct and seeking damages. Politically, he is being discussed as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, but a recent recognition poll found only 17% of voters could identify him, even as a Pennsylvania poll showed solid approval and many voters saying he would make a good president.

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Polls

Franklin & Marshall College Center for Opinion Research
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
50%
Josh Shapiro
J. Shapiro
Date (Start - End)SpreadShare
Franklin & Marshall College Center for Opinion ResearchJun 14, 2026
50.0%
Susquehanna Polling & ResearchMar 29, 2026
58.0%
Franklin & Marshall College Center for Opinion ResearchMar 1, 2026
48.0%
Quinnipiac UniversityFeb 23, 2026
55.0%
Quinnipiac UniversitySep 29, 2025
56.0%
Quinnipiac UniversitySep 29, 2025
55.0%

Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne

Endorsements

2028 South Carolina Democratic primary winner?

Endorsers of Josh Shapiro for 2028 South Carolina Democratic primary winner?

Paige Cognetti

Political organization

Paige Cognetti endorsed Josh Shapiro at a campaign event in Wyoming, Pennsylvania.

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Bob Harvie

Elected official

Bob Harvie endorsed Josh Shapiro for governor in Pennsylvania.

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GIFFORDS PAC

Elected official

GIFFORDS PAC endorsed Josh Shapiro for governor of Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania Democratic Party

Public figure

Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis for reelection in 2026.

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Bob Brooks

Public figure

Bob Brooks endorsed Josh Shapiro in the Pennsylvania 7th Congressional District primary.

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Phil Weiser

Public figure

Phil Weiser endorsed Josh Shapiro as part of a joint gubernatorial endorsement announcement.

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Janelle Stelson

Public figure

Janelle Stelson endorsed Josh Shapiro in the PA-10 race.

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New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

  • Fundraising