Josh Shapiro is an American lawyer-turned-politician who serves as the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania. A member of the Democratic Party, Shapiro has built a reputation for being a pragmatic leader with a concentration on public service, integrity, and collaboration between the parties. His political career has spanned roles such as Pennsylvania Attorney General and state representative. And, of course, with all the speculations for vice presidential hopefuls for the 2024 election, Shapiro’s name has been bandied about as a would-be running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Shapiro’s early life and education
Born on June 20, 1973, in Kansas City, Missouri, Shapiro grew up in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Rochester, majoring in political science, and in his freshman year became the first freshman ever elected student body president. After graduating magna cum laude in 1995, Shapiro went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002 while serving in public service. His early advocacy career included creating an international pen-pal program for Jewish children in the Soviet Union, through which he showed interest in social justice even at a very young age.
Political career
Shapiro’s political career truly began when he was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2004, representing District 153. His election was viewed as remarkable as it turned a Republican stronghold to the Democrats and was a marker that local political dynamics were changing. He established a reputation for advocacy oriented toward ethics reform and advancing bipartisan cooperation while in the House.
In 2011, Shapiro became the first Democrat to lead the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in over a century. He led an administration that stewarded fiscal responsibility and social initiatives like battling the opioid crisis and standing for LGBTQ+. Shapiro’s work as county commissioner led him into becoming the Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 2016.
As Attorney General, Shapiro garnered national attention for his tough posture on corruption and his efforts to advocate for the victims of abuse. He led an historic investigation into child sexual abuse by the Catholic church that unearthed top-level cover-ups in the church and fought for justice for the victims. Other highlights of the term included leading efforts in consumer protection and healthcare access, negotiating a $1 billion settlement with opioid companies on behalf of Pennsylvania.
In 2022, he ran for governor and won easily, taking office in January of 2023. As governor, he has worked on economic development, public health, and educational reform, with a dedication to keeping Pennsylvania a swing state.
Potential Vice Presidential candidate
With the 2024 presidential election inching closer, Shapiro’s name has been mentioned as one of the running mates alongside Kamala Harris. He is an ideal candidate who will bring his practical sense in governance and charisma to woo middle-of-the-road voters to make a national ticket. His policies, more centrist in nature, business-friendly initiatives coupled with progressive social policy that resonated with a heterogeneous mass of constituents.
Many political analysts say he can help build Harris’s outreach in some of the key battleground states, especially Pennsylvania, where Shapiro has built a strong political base. His experience in navigating complex political landscapes and reputation for bipartisanship could provide a stabilizing influence on the ticket.
Challenges and criticisms
But there are also problems for a would-be Shapiro vice presidential candidate: His centrism has earned him enemies on the more progressive end of the Democratic Party, who will no doubt wonder if he is fully behind some progressive policies. He’s also had to contend with controversy over some of his past comments and actions, notably about his evolving views on the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
Moreover, as a Jewish politician, Shapiro has had to negotiate antisemitism throughout his political career. That grows particularly prickly in the charged 2022 gubernatorial race that is so highly contested. His ability to do so while keeping his broad appeal intact will be the key if he ever is to entertain an end on a national ticket.
