Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made headlines at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) by flipping the “freedom” narrative often touted by Republicans. His remarks came in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently became the Democratic nominee after President Biden stepped out of the race, opting instead for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Onstage, Shapiro asserted that Democrats embody the “party of real freedom,” a direct challenge to the Republican stance on freedom, particularly regarding economic and gun policies. He emphasized that Democrats aim to counter Republican rhetoric by focusing on critical social issues, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections.
“While [former President Donald Trump] wraps himself in a false notion of freedom, what he’s really offering is anything but,” Shapiro stated. “It’s about controlling what our children read and dictating choices for women. And let’s be clear—it’s not true freedom to allow voting but choose the winner.”
Shapiro encouraged Democrats to rally around three core American values: freedom, democracy, and patriotism. “Regardless of our hurdles, I’m more hopeful than ever because I see in you the true promise of America,” he expressed. “You all inspire hope. Let’s harness that energy to secure this election and pen the next chapter of our story.”
His endorsement of Harris is vital, especially in Pennsylvania—a key battleground state that’s nearly split down the middle between Democrats and Republicans. It played a pivotal role in the tightly contested 2016 and 2020 elections, making it essential for Harris’s Electoral College strategy.
With a strong electoral history, having won the gubernatorial race by 15 points in 2022, Shapiro’s presence on the ticket could attract both Democratic and centrist Republican voters wary of Trump. Yet, he faced criticism from more progressive factions over earlier comments regarding Palestinians and protests that resurfaced, notably a controversial comparison to the Ku Klux Klan.
Although Harris did not disclose her reasons for selecting Walz over Shapiro, the DNC offered him a significant platform to elevate his national profile, positioning him as a potential candidate for the 2028 or 2032 presidential races, much like former President Obama did in 2004.
Current polling indicates that Pennsylvania remains a battleground with Harris and Trump in a tight race. An Insider Advantage poll showed Trump leading by one point, while a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll had Harris up by two. With its 19 Electoral College votes, Pennsylvania is crucial for the 2024 election, and losing it would require Harris to secure every other toss-up state to succeed.