Shapiro Is Overtly Running For President

Josh Shapiro is running for president. No one paying attention can pretend otherwise. 

He’s in the final days of his gubernatorial re-election campaign, but he’s also running for the White House. As the Tribune-Review reported, Shapiro established a federal PAC that allows him to donate to candidates running for Congress across the U.S. In other words, lay the groundwork for his national run.

This comes on the heels of the one and only gubernatorial debate that he agreed to join. He refused to do any debates in 2022. Legacy media didn’t object then and they’re allowing him to stand for only one debate in 2026. This year, there have been few tough questions or critical editorials amid his campaign. 

Plus, don’t forget, less that two full years into office, he wrote an autobiography, and then went on a national book tour, with stops on shows like The View. 

At first glance, Shapiro has his presidential campaign checklist in order. But his Pennsylvania report card should find him in “summer school,” not promoted to the White House.

He has no signature issue. Plus, he’s failing us on the basics – both where we are now and preparing our state and children for the future.

Pennsylvania’s economy is ranked 47th. Worse for Shapiro, Pennsylvania was a rousing 38th when he took office: his “leadership” has taken us from bad to worse … almost worst.

Our kids are not alright either. According to Shapiro’s own Department of Education, only 30.5% of Pennsylvania public school students can do grade level math. Only 31% can read at grade level. In Philadelphia, it’s worse: only 15% can read at grade level; 11% for math. 

It’s not about money. Pennsylvania is 6th in state spending – spending an average of over $25,000 per student.

As for state spending, each of Shapiro’s four proposed budgets attempted to spend billions more than take -in. If the GOP Senate didn't stop him, state savings would have disappeared.

And as the nation has seen frightening levels of waste and fraud of healthcare spending, Pennsylvania has had more fraud charges than 47 states. The Republican state attorney general leads the nation in Medicaid fraud convictions. Pennsylvania ranks first — in Medicaid fraud.

Pennsylvanians are noticing. We rank third in the number of people moving out for greener pastures.

Our economy is faltering – on the edge of being the worst in the nation. It’s all the more tragic because our state has one of the most diverse economies, with untapped potential. Almost any other governor would gladly trade places with Shapiro. More untapped energy than Saudi Arabia; more universities per capita than all but a handful of states. Internationally known hospitals and bio-pharmaceutical companies, with countless start-ups from King of Prussia to the Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh. A leading agriculture state – fourth in food production, first in mushrooms. Plus, Vanguard and SEI. 

Tragically, most of our children can’t do grade level reading, writing, or math. This is despite historic levels of spending – coupled with Shapiro’s inexplicable efforts to cut back on parents’ school choice options.

And Pennsylvanians are running-away at historic rates, despite our universities and diverse economy. 

Consider the reality: a failing economy; students not ready for graduation, let alone working in a 21st century economy; deficit spending; and the national leader in Medicaid fraud.

Yet, he did write a self-congratulatory autobiography, can raise lots of money, and earns adulation in the press. 

That must be why he opened a Federal PAC and is looking to run for President.

Even Josh Shapiro wants to leave his Pennsylvania behind.

Guy Ciarrocchi writes for RealClearPennsylvania and Broad+Liberty. Follow Guy @PhilaFreedomGuy