Potential VP Pick for Kamala Harris, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, has Ties to Rochester

Pennsylvania flag with map.

Potential VP choice for Kamala Harris has a Rochester Connection – Meet Josh Shapiro

Who is Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro?

Josh Shapiro, the current Governor of Pennsylvania, is generating a buzz as a top candidate for Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential pick. This 51-year-old Democrat has become the clear favorite in the speculation for the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee since Harris’ ostensible nomination after President Joe Biden stepped down.

Shapiro’s popularity has catapulted despite competing against other significant personalities such as Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. As of Wednesday, the odds predominantly favor Shapiro.

Rochester Connection: Unveiling Shapiro’s Alma Mater

Interestingly, Pennsylvania’s popular Governor, Josh Shapiro, has connections going back to the Flower City, Rochester. Shapiro is a proud alumnus of the University of Rochester, graduating in the year 1995. He began his academic journey as a pre-med student and later switched his focus to law.

Shapiro’s inherent leadership skills emerged early in his college career at the University of Rochester. In 1992, he became the first freshman ever to become the president of the Students’ Association. After completing his bachelor’s from U of R, he went on to acquire his law degree from Georgetown.

Personal Life of Josh Shapiro

Shapiro was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but was raised in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is married to Lori Shapiro, who held eminent positions in the Clinton administration. The couple has been happily married since May 25, 1997, and they have four children: Reuben, Sophia, Max, and Jonah.

Currently, Shapiro resides in Abington Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Political Journey

The promising political journey of Shapiro began in 2004, when he was elected to Pennsylvania’s 153rd district in the House. Later, he served as Montgomery County commissioner in 2012 and earned President Barack Obama’s endorsement in 2016 to become Pennsylvania’s Attorney General.

In a show of solidarity, Shapiro has endorsed Harris’ candidacy along with the other 23 Democratic governors. He had also co-hosted a rally with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Montgomery County, PA in support of the Harris’ campaign.

Shapiro’s Policy Positions

Shapiro’s stances are often seen as liberal on social issues such as abortion rights. Notably, conservatives have appreciated his public education policies, including his support for expanding school choice in the state and eliminating the requirement of a college degree for 65,000 state government positions – a move he carried out in his first act as governor.