Who is Josh Shapiro? Meet the Pennsylvania Governor
DEMOCRAT Josh Shapiro has held the title of Governor of Pennsylvania since January 2023.
The 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is also an American lawyer and a family man.
Who is Josh Shapiro?
Josh Shapiro was born on June 20, 1973, in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was raised in Pennsylvania by his father, a pediatrician, and his mother, a retired educator, who "inspired him to enter into public service," Shapiro writes in his official biography.
He first rose to prominence in 2016 when he was first elected as the attorney general of Pennsylvania.
Shapiro also worked as chair of the board of commissioners in Montgomery County from 2011 to 2017 and as a state representative from 2005 to 2011.
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Shapiro launched his bid for governor in 2021 following his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
In his first publicized political campaign ad, Shapiro said: “I understand people feel like our politics are divided and broken right now, but we can’t just take our ball and go home. There’s too much on the line.
“We all have a responsibility to show up, stand up and fight for what’s right. As governor, I’ll stay in the game – no matter what.”
As for his personal life, Shapiro is married to his high school sweetheart, Lori.
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The couple has four children, Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben.
When was Josh Shapiro named Governor of Pennsylvania?
Josh Shapiro was elected as Governor of Pennsylvania in January 2023 after winning against Republican challenger Doug Mastriano.
He was sworn into office on January 17 of that same year.
"I am humbled to stand before you today as Pennsylvania's 48th governor," Shapiro said at his ceremony.
"Along the winding road that has led to this moment, I have been grounded in my faith and family.
"Now is the time to join together behind the unifying strength of three simple truths that have sustained our nation over the past two-and-a-half centuries: that above all else, beyond any momentary political differences, we value our freedom, we cherish our democracy and we love this country."
Shapiro entered the 2022 race for governor as the only Democratic candidate up against Mastriano, a staunch supporter of Trump.
At a rally, Mastriano said: "Josh Shapiro stands for all that is wrong with the Democrat Party. He is the face of elitism. He is the face of entitlement. He is the face of political correctness."
Shapiro responded in a campaign ad that described Mastriano as “one of Donald Trump’s strongest supporters.”
What is Josh Shapiro's connection to VP Kamala Harris?
Josh Shapiro is reported to be on the shortlist for the vice president spot in Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential campaign.
While Harris has yet to announce her VP selection, clues have hinted that Shapiro could be her running mate.
On August 5, 2024, multiple outlets reported that Harris had narrowed her choice down to either Shapiro or Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Days earlier, on August 2, a video posted by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker sparked chaos by appearing to name Shapiro as Harris’ VP.
"I can't think of a better partner than our Governor Josh Shapiro," Parker said in the video.
"Proud to be standing with so many leaders for @kamalaharris for President and @joshshapiropa for VP!" the video's caption read.
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A source later told The Inquirer that the mayor was simply showing her support for Shapiro.
Shapiro has also bowed out of three upcoming fundraisers without explaining the schedule change, according to the Associated Press.