Poll ranks Shapiro among the top five Democrats for potential presidential candidacy in 2028
## The Rising Star of Pennsylvania Politics: Josh Shapiro's Political Journey
Josh Shapiro, the current Governor of Pennsylvania, has been making a significant impact in American politics. With a focus on finding common ground and delivering tangible results, Shapiro has been carving out a strong political presence both within his state and on a national scale.
Shapiro's governorship has been marked by a series of legislative victories. He has successfully navigated the Republican-majority Senate and the Democratic-majority House in Pennsylvania, resulting in achievements such as a record increase in education funding and business incentives like reducing corporate income tax rates. Shapiro has also been vocal about issues affecting Pennsylvania, standing firm against federal funding cuts and criticizing Trump's policies without resorting to confrontation [1].
Under Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania has experienced substantial economic growth. The state has secured over $25 billion in private investments and created nearly 11,000 new jobs. One of the most notable achievements is a historic $20 billion investment by Amazon for AI and cloud computing campuses, positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in technology [3].
## A Promising Future in the Democratic Primary
Given his national profile and accomplishments in Pennsylvania, Shapiro is being eyed as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. His ability to work across party lines and deliver economic growth could make him an attractive candidate. However, his political career will likely face a test in the 2026 gubernatorial election, where he may face challenges like a potential bid from Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who has been gaining support from the state GOP [1][2][4].
The 2028 Democratic primary field is already taking shape, with notable figures such as Pete Buttigieg leading the pack with 16% support [2]. Shapiro, however, has shown promise, securing 7% support in a poll conducted in November 2024 [2]. In the same poll, he was the fourth highest named candidate, with Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, Corey Booker, and Kamala Harris receiving higher support, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ron DeSantis, and Gavin Newsom also received support [2].
## Challenges Ahead
In the 2026 gubernatorial race, Shapiro is likely to face strong contenders from the Republican Party. The state GOP is planning an early endorsement, potentially for Stacy Garrity, highlighting the competitive nature of Pennsylvania's political landscape [2]. Shapiro's success in this election could further solidify his prospects for national office.
In the 2028 Republican presidential nomination race, Ron DeSantis led with 8% support, followed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with 5% [2]. Pete Buttigieg received 4% support, while Bernie Sanders, Corey Booker, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez also received higher support than Shapiro [2]. A total of 23% of responders in the poll were undecided, indicating a fluid political landscape [2].
## A Look Back and Forward
Shapiro's political journey thus far has been marked by practical governance, economic achievements, and a focus on the needs of his state. His potential candidacy for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary will depend heavily on the outcome of the 2026 gubernatorial election. With a strong focus on delivering results and a willingness to work across party lines, Shapiro could be a formidable contender in the years to come.
Sources: [1] ABC News (2022) [2] Emerson College Polling (2024) [3] The Philadelphia Inquirer (2022)
- Josh Shapiro's political journey in Pennsylvania has been centered around policy-and-legislation, demonstrating his ability to navigate politics and deliver tangible results, such as increasing education funding and reducing corporate income tax rates.
- Shapiro's focus on policy-and-legislation has caught the attention of the Democratic party, with him being eyed as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, where he will face competition from other notable figures like Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders.
