Early Life and Education of Josh Shapiro: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Josh Shapiro. From birth to education, explore key events.

Joshua David Shapiro is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 2017 to 2023. Before his statewide role, Shapiro was a Montgomery County Commissioner from 2012 to 2017. His career reflects a trajectory of public service within Pennsylvania's political landscape.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 20, 1973: Birth of Joshua David Shapiro

On June 20, 1973, Joshua David Shapiro was born. He is an American lawyer and politician.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Elected Student Body President

In 1992, Josh Shapiro was the first freshman ever elected student body president of the University of Rochester.

1993: Published "Peace not Possible" Op-Ed

In 1993, Josh Shapiro published an op-ed in the Campus Times student newspaper titled "Peace not Possible", expressing skepticism about peace in the Middle East.

1995: Graduated from University of Rochester

In 1995, Josh Shapiro graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester.

1997: Shapiro Marries Lori

In 1997, Josh Shapiro proposed to Lori in Jerusalem and they married on May 25th of that year. They met in ninth grade at Akiba Hebrew Academy and reconnected after college while living in Washington, D.C.

2002: Earned Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law Center

In 2002, Josh Shapiro earned his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown Law Center while working on Capitol Hill as an evening student.

2008: Backed Barack Obama for President

In 2008, Josh Shapiro was one of the first public backers of Barack Obama for president, contrasting with much of the Pennsylvania Democratic establishment.

2016: Prior Charge in Bath Salts Case

In 2016, Maura Kathio, one of those arrested, was previously charged in a major bath salts case.

October 13, 2021: Announced candidacy for Governor

On October 13, 2021, Josh Shapiro announced his candidacy in the 2022 election for governor of Pennsylvania.

2022: Reversal on Death Penalty Position

Before running for governor, Shapiro had supported capital punishment, but during his 2022 campaign, he announced that he now favored abolishing the death penalty in Pennsylvania, reversing his previous position.

January 17, 2023: Sworn in as Governor

On January 17, 2023, Josh Shapiro was sworn in as Governor of Pennsylvania. He is the third Jewish governor in the history of Pennsylvania and the state's first Generation X governor.