Potential 2028 contender campaigns for Spanberger in key Tidewater area
In a significant show of support for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is set to rally in the key Hampton Roads area this Sunday. As one of the Democratic Party’s prominent figures eyeing the 2028 presidential race, Shapiro’s endorsement comes at a crucial time for Spanberger, who is ramping up her campaign with multiple rallies, including a high-profile event featuring former President Barack Obama in Norfolk. This collaboration underscores the interconnectedness of Democratic campaigns across the Northeast, as Shapiro is also scheduled to support New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill, who is working to maintain Democratic control in her state.
Shapiro’s political positioning is noteworthy; he has carved out a centrist lane, often distancing himself from the far-left factions within the Democratic Party, exemplified by his public criticism of antisemitic remarks made by some party members, including New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. His approach has garnered him both praise and criticism, with some Republicans acknowledging his governance style while others challenge his decisions, particularly regarding COVID-era policies and budget management. As he continues to navigate these political waters, Shapiro’s involvement in Spanberger’s campaign may bolster her chances in a competitive race, especially as she seeks to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters in Virginia.
As the 2028 presidential landscape begins to take shape, Shapiro’s rising profile places him alongside other potential candidates like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and California Governor Gavin Newsom. His recent remarks on election integrity and criticism of former President Trump further highlight his readiness to engage in national conversations, making his support for Spanberger not just a local political maneuver but also a strategic move as he positions himself for future electoral challenges. With the Democratic Party’s focus on unity and effective governance, Shapiro’s efforts in Virginia and New Jersey may set the tone for upcoming elections and the party’s direction heading into the next presidential cycle.
Related articles:
– Link 1
– Link 2
One of the Democratic Party’s top potential 2028 figures will stump for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger on Sunday.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has notably made a lane to the right of far-left Democratic Party figures like New York Assemb.
Zohran Mamdani
, will rally with Spanberger in the crucial Hampton Roads area.
The former Virginia congresswoman plans to hold multiple rallies in the Tidewater alone before Election Day, including another with former President
Barack Obama
across the ‘roads’ in Norfolk.
“Governor Shapiro this weekend is headed to New Jersey and Virginia to help elect Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger; two more Democratic governors who will focus every day on getting stuff done, delivering results for hardworking families and protecting freedom in their states,” Shapiro campaign spokesman Manuel Bonder told Fox News Digital on Friday.
2028 HOPEFUL CHALLENGES TRUMP’S JUVENILE SURGERY BAN WHILE OPPOSING WOMEN’S SPORTS BILL RESTRICTIONS
Shapiro also plans
to stump for Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey as she hopes to keep Trenton in Democratic hands.
Shapiro – who has announced he will run for reelection to Harrisburg in 2026 and has not officially indicated interest in a presidential bid – is one of several Democrats whose names repeatedly come up in such conversation – including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov.
Gavin Newsom
and Kentucky Gov. Andrew Beshear.
He was also the reported runner-up to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Kamala Harris’ 2024 veepstakes.
Shapiro lambasted
antisemitic behavior
at the University of Pennsylvania following the Hamas attack on Israel, while separately adding of Mamdani’s view of the Jewish State:
“You have to speak and act with moral clarity, and when supporters of yours say things that are blatantly antisemitic, you can’t leave room for that to just sit there.”
THE ONLY TWO DEMS RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR IN 2025 ARE FORMER ROOMMATES WITH MIRRORING POLITICAL CAREERS
While Shapiro has faced criticism from Republicans in his own state for supporting former Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-era shutdowns and for the current budget impasse, he’s also been a rare Democrat to earn praise from some in the GOP.
Jack Ciattarelli
, the Republican nominee in New Jersey’s sweeps, namedropped Shapiro favorably enough times that Newark Mayor Ras Baraka – then running for governor – suggested he cross the Delaware and run in the Keystone State instead.
“[
Pennsylvania doesn’t
] have a property tax crisis [like New Jersey], they don’t have a business climate crisis, they don’t have an energy crisis,” Ciattarelli said, contrasting the two neighbors.
Pennsylvania Republicans, however, disputed some of those descriptions, with state Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon, and Sen. David Argall, R-New Ringgold, recently drafting bills to eliminate
property taxes
altogether.
State Sen.
Doug Mastriano
, R-Gettysburg, who challenged Shapiro in 2022 and is being urged by the conservative wing to do so again in 2026, also blasted Shapiro’s budget proposals as “fantasy,” warning in a statement that “eventually, the funds from ‘we the people’ will run dry.”
Shapiro has also been vocal on election law itself, rebuking the president over a Truth Social post potentially foreshadowing an end to mail-in balloting.
“Donald Trump can sign whatever the hell executive orders he wants… But he can’t change the Constitution with an executive order, and the Constitution gives the authority to set our election rules to the states.” Shapiro said.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
