Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirms reelection bid amid presidential rumors

The Democrat formally launched his bid for a second term as Pennsylvania’s governor in a campaign ad released on Thursday. Shapiro is one of several Democratic politicians rumored to be considering a bid for the White House in the 2028 election.

The nearly three-minute video highlighted several of what Shapiro characterized as his first-term victories, like restoring the nearly 2-mile stretch of Philadelphia highway that collapsed in 2023 in only 12 days. The ad also credited Shapiro with creating new state jobs, boosting small businesses, bolstering school resources, and destigmatizing employing government workers without college degrees. One woman praised Shapiro for cutting taxes while protecting pro-abortion laws.

Does this rule him out for a 2028 presidential campaign? While it may seem counterintuitive to launch a presidential campaign after winning another four years as governor, commentators said Democrats may view Shapiro’s gubernatorial outcome as a litmus test for a national agenda. Others viewed the reelection bid as a sign of Shapiro's commitment to the state.

Who else could run on the 2028 Democratic ticket? California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CBS during an October interview that he planned to take a presidential run under consideration after the 2026 midterms. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is also rumored to be planning another White House bid, with some categorizing her ongoing months-long book tour as her campaign launchpad.

While Harris has not formally commented on her 2028 plans, Democratic National Convention chair Ken Martin bolstered rumors in December after referring to Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, as a possible first gentleman. Other rumored DNC candidates include Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego.