Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), who won battleground state Pennsylvania in 2022 after running a relatively centrist campaign, appears to be building his national profile.
In a Tuesday press release, it was announced that Shapiro would deliver the keynote at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s 2023 convention on Sept. 30.
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The Pennsylvania Democrat received national attention in June after a section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia collapsed following the crash of a fuel tanker that burst into flames. In less than two weeks, Shapiro oversaw the ahead-of-schedule reopening of the damaged section of I-95.
“In Pennsylvania, we defeated extremism and showed the rest of the country what it looks like to come together behind a vision for a better future — one where we create real opportunity while defending our rights and advancing real freedom for all,” the governor said in a statement. “New Hampshire voters face a similar choice next November — they will decide a critical open race for Governor and play a central role in reelecting President Biden and retaking the U.S. House of Representatives.”
He further noted, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak to Granite Staters at this critical time for both New Hampshire and our nation’s future and rally with them behind Democratic candidates who, like me, believe government can be a productive force for good.”
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley said, “Hearing from Governor Shapiro on his record of accomplishment and success is the perfect kickoff to our 2024 election efforts,” referring to a competitive gubernatorial battle expected following Gov. Chris Sununu’s (R-NH) decision not to seek reelection.
“New Hampshire is home to the most exciting Governor’s race in the nation right now, and Granite Staters are excited at the opportunity to return the corner office to responsible leadership focused on delivering for all Granite Staters,” he said.
Shapiro’s name has been mentioned during conversations about possible primary challengers to President Joe Biden in 2024, as some worry about the president’s age. This is unlikely, though, as Shapiro is a member of the Biden-Harris campaign’s national advisory board.
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His hands-on approach to the collapse of the section of I-95 earned him praise across the state. In polls following the collapse, Shapiro earned a boost in his approval rating, and nearly three-quarters of the state said they approved of his handling of the disaster.
Now, his ability to boast a decently high approval rating, between 57% and 60% depending on the poll, in a battleground state such as Pennsylvania is being eyed by Democrats across the country.
