Overview
- Shapiro kicked off his campaign with rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and a video highlighting a “get stuff done” record, including the rapid I‑95 rebuild, tax cuts, school funding increases, job-access reforms and public safety hires.
- The campaign says he enters 2026 with more than $30 million cash on hand after raising about $23 million in 2025, the largest off‑year balance for a Pennsylvania gubernatorial bid on record.
- State Republicans have consolidated behind Treasurer Stacy Garrity after Doug Mastriano declined to run, clearing the path for a head‑to‑head in November.
- Shapiro maintains strong standing in Pennsylvania, with 60% job approval in an October Quinnipiac poll and a mid‑teens lead over Garrity, as his national profile continues to fuel 2028 speculation.
- Political friction persists over security at his private residence after a 2025 firebombing, with a state Senate committee issuing subpoenas on upgrades that Shapiro has criticized as political games.