Who Is Running for Governor of Pennsylvania in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Josh Shapiro
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal emphasizes economic growth and job creation, building on previous efforts that he states resulted in record economic growth and the creation of over 21,500 jobs. He proposes modernizing tax incentives through the PA EDGE initiative to attract investment in advanced manufacturing and energy, aiming to foster innovation and maintain Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness. He also links public safety investments to a strong foundation for economic growth.
Immigration
HighPennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro opposes federal immigration enforcement tactics and is preparing his state for potential crackdowns. He has publicly criticized federal plans to convert warehouses into ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania, citing "real harms" to communities, including negative impacts on health, safety, and tax revenue. Shapiro stated his administration will "aggressively pursue every option" to block these facilities and believes federal actions are violating constitutional rights.
Healthcare
MediumResearch pending more substantial sources.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Josh Shapiro |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal emphasizes economic growth and job creation, building on previous efforts that he states resulted in record economic growth and the creation of over 21,500 jobs. He proposes modernizing tax incentives through the PA EDGE initiative to attract investment in advanced manufacturing and energy, aiming to foster innovation and maintain Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness. He also links public safety investments to a strong foundation for economic growth. High |
| Immigration | Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro opposes federal immigration enforcement tactics and is preparing his state for potential crackdowns. He has publicly criticized federal plans to convert warehouses into ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania, citing "real harms" to communities, including negative impacts on health, safety, and tax revenue. Shapiro stated his administration will "aggressively pursue every option" to block these facilities and believes federal actions are violating constitutional rights. High |
| Healthcare | Research pending more substantial sources. Medium |
| Climate & Energy | Josh Shapiro ended Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and proposed his own Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program (PACER) to create jobs in the energy sector, bring clean energy onto the grid, and reduce energy costs for Pennsylvanians. His 2026 budget proposals have been criticized by environmental groups for an "all of the above" energy policy, while the Environmental Defense Fund applauded his "Lightning Plan" for prioritizing pollution reduction and job creation through collaborative efforts, including methane regulations. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Josh Shapiro supports abortion rights and has vowed to protect Pennsylvania's existing 24-week abortion law. He advocates for retaining state Supreme Court justices, emphasizing their role in safeguarding reproductive rights and access to abortion and birth control. He also filed a notice to defend access to reproductive care in the case of Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. High |
| Foreign Policy | Josh Shapiro opposes military action against Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions in foreign policy. He has vowed to use all legal tools to block planned ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania. Shapiro also views the BDS movement, which boycotts Israel, as rooted in antisemitism. He emphasizes the importance of the United States leading in AI supremacy over China. High |
| Education | Shapiro advocates for significant investments in education, proposing a $53.3 billion budget for 2026-27 that includes an additional $665 million for K-12 and special education funding. He supports banning student cell phone use in schools and has overseen a nearly 30% increase in K-12 funding, citing the belief that economic growth and opportunity begin in the classroom. High |
| Gun Policy | Josh Shapiro supports increasing investments in gun violence prevention and community violence intervention programs, noting their role in decreasing gun homicides. He proposed a budget that includes $1 million for an Office of Gun Violence Prevention and doubles funding for the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) to $8.9 million. Additionally, he signed a law requiring school entities to notify guardians, parents, and employees of any weapon incidents on school grounds within 24 hours. Medium |
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