Shapiro Weighs 2028 Presidential Run After Landslide

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says he, his wife, and children will decide on a potential 2028 White House campaign.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Elections

Shapiro Weighs 2028 Presidential Run After Landslide

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro publicly discussed a potential 2028 presidential campaign at an event in Denver on Friday. He said the decision rests with him, his wife, and his children, and that other potential candidates such as Gavin Newsom will have no bearing on it.

Why it matters

Shapiro's comments follow his reelection by 22 points over Republican Stacy Garrity, positioning him as a possible contender as Democrats look toward the next presidential cycle. His own 2026 book states he considered running in 2024 after Joe Biden dropped out, before his wife advised against it for family reasons.

Shapiro won reelection by 22 points over Republican Stacy Garrity, a margin that is not directly comparable to his national polling, which showed 10% support nationwide and 5% among Democrats this year. Whether those figures will shift as a 2028 field forms remains unknown.

The players

Josh Shapiro

Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania who won reelection in 2026 and is widely viewed as a possible 2028 presidential contender.

Stacy Garrity

Republican nominee who lost the 2026 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race to Josh Shapiro by 22 points.

Gavin Newsom

Democratic Governor of California and another potential 2028 presidential candidate whose decision Shapiro said would not affect his own.

The details

Speaking to reporters at a "What's Next" event in Denver featuring national Democrats, Shapiro said the 2028 decision will be made by him, his wife, and his children. During his lone debate last month, he said he was focused on turnout and supporting Democrats in November.

2024: Shapiro considered a presidential run after Joe Biden dropped out.
Last month (October 2026): Shapiro's lone debate, where he focused on turnout and Democrats.
November 2026: Shapiro won reelection by 22 points over Stacy Garrity.
2028: The presidential election cycle Shapiro may consider running in.

Political Context

Shapiro's 2026 book states he considered entering the 2024 race after Joe Biden withdrew, but his wife advised against it for family reasons. His current 2028 comments revisit that same open-field opportunity, with his national support at 10% in recent polling.

For voters, Shapiro's 2028 deliberations signal which Democratic figures may appear on future ballots and in primary debates. Pennsylvania residents will see the governor's office in flux as national considerations develop.

The takeaway

Potential 2028 candidates are weighing their options as the Democratic field takes shape, and personal and family factors are influencing those timelines. Readers can track how national polling and state-level results shape those early decisions.