Josh Shapiro on Principles & Values

	Josh Shapiro on Principles & Values

Resist the temptation to put politics above people

Look, I get how politics works. I know there are some folks in this room who will feel the need to just be reflexively against whatever I'm for. Remember, despite the wave nationally, voters sent the same group back here to keep making progress. And so I ask you to resist the temptation to put politics above people--and instead let's continue to work together to solve more problems. Source: 2025 State of the State Address to Pennsylvania legislature , Feb 4, 2025

When Pennsylvanians go to the polls, they vote for freedom

Just last year we had a Supreme Court race that was largely focused on freedom and the right to choose, and we elected the Democrat. In 2023, we threw out all kinds of school board members who were focused on banning books, not focused on our children. In numerous special elections here in our state legislature we rejected extremism and focused on fighting for freedom. So when Pennsylvanians get the opportunity to go to the polls, they vote for freedom. They reject extremism. Source: ABC This Week on 2024 Democratic Veepstakes , Feb 18, 2024

People of Pennsylvania expect us to work together

I think the people of Pennsylvania actually expect more from us. More than just the traditional politics. As I said at the beginning of my address, they have entrusted us with the responsibility to negotiate and come together. So instead of playing politics as usual, let's show the people that we are up to this task. Let's not just run out of here, let's instead get around the table and get to work on commonsense solutions to their problems. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to Pennsylvania legislature , Mar 7, 2023

Observes Jewish Sabbath even while campaigning

On Oct. 15, with the bus tour in full swing across the state, the Democrat finished an event at 6:30 p.m. in Scranton and raced home for Shabbat dinner. The Shapiros said their prayers and ate, just like they do every Friday night. "It keeps me grounded," he said. "It is at least one night each week where we know we'll all be together." Shapiro's friends and neighbors say his faith is not just genuine, but deep. Source: Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor race , Oct 19, 2021

Fight for the wrong, the left out, the forgotten

Diminutive in nature, Josh Shapiro repeatedly spoke of taking on big institutions and defending the little guy as an attorney general. He's now seeking the state's highest job. Proposed voting reform legislation to consider needs and wants of Pa. county commissioners. "I've fought for people who have been wronged, citizens who have been left out, and communities that have been forgotten," Shapiro said. "That's the kind of leadership we need right now." Source: ABC27-WHTM on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race , Oct 13, 2021

GOP wants to undermine elections & permanently divide us

His launch wasn't just a recital of his resume; he also aimed to level an opening shot at Republicans in the field who "want to lead us down a dark path," he said in a morning video posted to his social media accounts. It's a "critical time in America--here in Pennsylvania, too," Mr. Shapiro said in the video, accusing the GOP of wanting to undermine free and fair elections and "permanently divide us." Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2022 Pennsylvania Governor race , Oct 13, 2021

Shapiro has remained Jewishly engaged as a politician

Shapiro has remained Jewishly engaged as a politician. In 2008, he told the Philadelphia Jewish Voice that "when you boil down all the teachings and all the rituals, fundamentally, Judaism is teaching that none of us is required to complete the task, but neither is any of us free to refrain from it." Shapiro was paraphrasing a famous rabbinic adage. Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency on 2022 Pennsylvania Governor race , Nov 5, 2020

Served as State Rep; practiced corporate law

After more than 30 years without a Democrat being elected to the position, Shapiro's win marks the second consecutive election a Democrat has captured the attorney general's office. Kathleen Kane in 2012 became the first Democrat attorney general since it became an elected office. Shapiro, however, will be succeeding Bruce Beemer, who was nominated to the role in August after Kane resigned in the wake of her conviction on perjury and obstruction charges.

Shapiro served in the state house from 2005-2012 representing the 153rd District. Now the state's next top prosecutor, Shapiro has never been a prosecutor himself. He has a law degree from Georgetown and practiced corporate law with Philadelphia law firm Stradley, Ronon, Stevens, and Young.

Shapiro's win gave Democrats a sweep of the state row offices on the ballot, with Eugene DePasquale being re-elected auditor general and Joe Torsella winning the state treasurer's office.

Source: State College News on 2024 Vice Presidential hopefuls , Nov 9, 2016

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