Many political observers still question why Governor Josh Shapiro was not Kamala Harris' V.P. pick in the 2024 election. Some speculated that his Jewish faith or views on Israel were the reason he was not selected, but Harris' campaign and Shapiro himself strongly denied that his religion or views on Israel played a role in the decision.
According to campaign insiders and a book on Harris' campaign, she ultimately went with her gut and chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz because she felt a better personal rapport with him and because Shapiro seemed too ambitious for the supportive role of vice president.
In vetting, he reportedly asked detailed, forward-looking questions about influence and future roles, which raised doubts about his willingness to stay number two.
Now, American Family Association of Pennsylvania President Diane Gramley says he appears to be eyeing a 2028 presidential run.
"He wrote a book, and isn't that the first thing you do before running for president? But he's also posting more; he's on social media a lot. He did the Fox News interview," she observes. "All indications to me are that he will announce his run for president in 2028."
But in a new Harvard-Harris Poll of potential 2028 Democrat candidates, Gov. Shapiro only garnered 9% support, finishing in fourth place behind Kamala Harris (39%), Gavin Newsom (30%), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (12%).
"I think possibly the reason he is polling so low is that he's a Jewish man and there's so much antisemitism across the country," Gramley suggests.
But that does not change the fact that he is, in her words "a wolf in sheep's clothing."
"He may be considered a moderate Democrat, but he's still very, very pro-abortion, very pro-LGBTQ," she asserts.
Shapiro has not usually labeled himself a "moderate Democrat," but most categorize him as such because of how he positions himself in practice.
2028 is still years away, but polling is said to offer insight into candidate viability, voter sentiment, and evolving party dynamics, particularly after the pivotal 2024 election cycle.
Some suggest Shapiro's strategy for the White House in 2028 starts with turning the electoral college's biggest battleground blue again in this fall's midterms, and Gramley fully expects he will throw his hat in the ring for the White House.
