Honestly, if you live in Pennsylvania or even just pass through on the Turnpike, you've probably heard the name Josh Shapiro. He's the guy currently running the show in Harrisburg. But since we’re sitting in early 2026, the conversation around him has shifted from "Who is he?" to "What’s he doing next?"
Pennsylvania is a weird state, politically speaking. It’s got that "T" shape—big cities on the ends and a whole lot of different opinions in the middle. Staying popular here is like trying to keep a cheesesteak from falling apart while you’re walking; it’s messy and someone is usually complaining. Yet, Shapiro has managed to keep a pretty solid grip on the wheel.
The Man in the Office: Josh Shapiro Explained (Simply)
So, who is the governor in PA right now? That would be Josh Shapiro. He’s the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth, and he’s been in the seat since January 17, 2023. He’s a Democrat, but he’s spent a lot of time trying to position himself as a "get stuff done" kind of leader who can talk to both sides.
Before he was Governor, he was the State’s Attorney General. You might remember him from the big investigation into the Catholic Church or his frequent appearances during the 2020 election drama. He’s a lawyer by trade, born in Missouri but raised in Montgomery County. He’s also a family man—married to his high school sweetheart, Lori, with four kids.
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Quick Facts About the Governor
- Full Name: Joshua David Shapiro
- Took Office: January 2023
- Political Party: Democrat
- Previous Job: PA Attorney General
- Key Partner: Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (the first Black Lt. Gov in PA history)
Why Everyone Is Talking About Him in 2026
We are officially in an election year. Just a few days ago, on January 8, 2026, Shapiro officially launched his reelection campaign. He isn’t just coasting; he’s sitting on a record-breaking war chest of about $30 million. That is a massive amount of money for a state-level race.
But it’s not just about PA anymore. If you follow national news, you know Shapiro’s name is constantly tossed around for the 2028 Presidential race. People are watching how he handles Pennsylvania right now to see if he’s ready for the White House. He even has a memoir coming out on January 27 called The Commonwealth, which is usually a "hey, I might run for President" signal.
What Has He Actually Done?
It’s easy to get lost in the "horse race" of politics, but what has actually changed for people living in Scranton or Erie or Philly? Shapiro’s brand is basically built on being a pragmatic moderate.
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One of his biggest moves was an executive order that got rid of college degree requirements for about 92% of state government jobs. He’s basically saying, "If you can do the work, we don't care about the piece of paper." That’s a big deal in a state where a lot of people feel left behind by the "ivory tower" economy.
He’s also leaned hard into education. We’re talking universal free breakfast for students and significant bumps in funding for public schools. On the economy side, he recently touted a $20 billion investment from Amazon—the largest private-sector investment in the state’s history.
Of course, it hasn't all been sunshine. There was a major budget impasse recently that lasted months. His critics, like State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (who is likely his GOP opponent this November), say he’s too focused on his national profile and not enough on the "kitchen table" issues in Harrisburg.
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The 2026 Election: What’s Next?
Since it’s 2026, the gears are already turning for the next vote. The primary is set for May 19, and the general election is November 3.
- The Incumbent: Shapiro is running for a second term.
- The Challenger: Stacy Garrity is the frontrunner for the Republicans. She’s been hammering him on state spending and that arson attack on the Governor’s residence last year.
- The Polls: As of late 2025/early 2026, Shapiro has a healthy lead—some polls show him up by 15 to 17 points. His approval rating has hovered around 60%, which is honestly pretty impressive in this polarized climate.
Why PA Matters So Much
Pennsylvania is the "Keystone State" for a reason. In the 2024 Presidential election, Donald Trump took the state. Now, the Democrats are desperate to show they can win it back, and they see Shapiro as the blueprint for how to do it. If he wins big in November, expect those "Shapiro 2028" stickers to start appearing everywhere.
Actionable Insights for PA Residents
If you’re trying to keep up with what’s happening in your neck of the woods, don't just wait for the TV commercials. You can actually engage with the state government directly.
- Check Your Registration: Since 2026 is an election year, make sure you're registered by the April deadline. PA has automatic voter registration now (another Shapiro-era change), but it’s worth double-checking at pavoterservices.pa.gov.
- State Jobs: If you're looking for work and don't have a four-year degree, look at the Commonwealth’s hiring portal. Those 92% of jobs are actually open now.
- Property Tax/Rent Rebates: The administration expanded this program. If you're a senior or a person with a disability, you might be eligible for a bigger check than in previous years.
Knowing who is the governor in PA is just the start. Whether you love his policies or think he's just another politician, Josh Shapiro is currently the most powerful person in the state, and his next few months will likely determine the direction of Pennsylvania—and potentially the country—for years to come.
Next Steps:
- Visit the official PA.gov website to see how recent budget changes affect your local school district.
- Mark May 19 on your calendar for the primary election to have your say in who challenges the current leadership.