Shapiro's 2028 prospects rise sharply after Harris defeat [View all]

[In It to Win It]

Shapiro’s 2028 prospects rise sharply after Harris defeat

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is being floated as a future standard-bearer for Democrats following the party’s stunning nationwide defeat on Election Day.

Shapiro, who made it to the final round of Vice President Harris’s running mate picks, has long been seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party. He has also received praise from Republicans for his bipartisan record as governor and enjoys popularity in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state Democrats lost at the presidential level this cycle.

Many Democrats argue Shapiro’s history of winning statewide, as well as his widespread popularity, makes him a figure to watch going into 2028.

“Any path for a Democrat to win the White House in 2028 likely also involves Pennsylvania,” said J.J. Balaban, a Democratic ad-maker based in the state.

“And someone who is uniquely popular in Pennsylvania is going to get a lot of attention, and that makes sense,” he continued.

Pennsylvania Democratic activists have expressed hope Shapiro will run for president in the future.