Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Campaigns for Abigail Spanberger in Key Tidewater Area
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is stepping up his campaign efforts to support Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, a key Democratic figure with potential presidential aspirations by 2028. The governor, known for his centrist position within the Democratic Party, will be present for multiple rallies in the Tidewater area before the November 5 election, including a joint event with former President Barack Obama in Norfolk.
Shapiro’s campaign spokesman, Manuel Bonder, emphasized the importance of these races, stating that both Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, the New Jersey candidate, are essential to securing Democratic control of key states. Shapiro, who remains undecided on a 2028 presidential run but has already planned to seek re-election in Pennsylvania in 2026, has become one of the frontrunners in Democratic presidential speculation. Other prominent names in the discussion include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
In addition to his support for Spanberger, Shapiro is also rallying behind New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill as she competes against the Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli recently praised Shapiro for his leadership and governance, suggesting that Pennsylvania might be a better state for a presidential bid than New Jersey.
Despite his support for former Governor Tom Wolf’s pandemic-era policies, Shapiro has earned some respect from critics on the right, particularly over his stance on election laws. He has publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine mail-in voting, asserting that the Constitution grants states the authority to set election rules.
Shapiro’s political strategy is further highlighted by his criticism of the far-left Democratic figures like New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, especially following the Hamas attack on Israel. He has underscored the need for clear moral clarity in addressing antisemitism at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania.