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 the current governor of Pennsylvania, serving since 2023. As a member of the Democratic Party, he previously held the position of Pennsylvania's Attorney General from 2017 to 2023. Prior to his statewide roles, Shapiro served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners from 2012 to 2017. His career reflects a trajectory of public service within Pennsylvania politics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 20, 1973: Joshua Shapiro Born

On June 20, 1973, Joshua David Shapiro was born. He is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the 48th governor of Pennsylvania since 2023.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Election as Student Body President

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

1993: Publication of "Peace not Possible" Op-Ed

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

1995: Graduation from University of Rochester

In 1995, Josh Shapiro graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester with a degree in political science.

1997: Shapiro Proposes to Lori and Gets Married

In 1997, Shapiro proposed to his wife Lori in Jerusalem. They got married on May 25 of that year.

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.

2008: Early Backer of Barack Obama

In 2008, Josh Shapiro was one of the first public backers of then-Senator Barack Obama for president, contrasting with much of the Pennsylvania Democratic establishment's support for Hillary Clinton.

2016: Vote for Tax Increase

In 2016, Josh Shapiro, as a Montgomery County Commissioner, voted for an 11% tax increase, resulting in an average increase of $66 in property taxes.

2016: Maura Kathio Charged in Bath Salts Case

In 2016, Maura Kathio, who was later arrested in the 2017 "Operation Outfoxed," was previously charged in a major bath salts case.

January 2018: Referral of Tim Piazza Case

In January 2018, Centre County district attorney Bernard Cantorna referred the case of the death of Tim Piazza, a Penn State student who was hazed, to Josh Shapiro, due to a conflict of interest.

October 13, 2021: Shapiro Announces Candidacy for Governor

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

January 17, 2023: Shapiro Sworn in as Governor

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

2024: Spokesperson Clarification on Israeli Army Volunteering

In 2024, Josh Shapiro's spokesperson clarified that he was "at no time engaged in any military activities" during his time in Israel as a student.

2024: Spokesperson Statement on Two-State Solution Support

In 2024, a spokesperson for Josh Shapiro stated that his position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict had changed since his 1993 op-ed, and he now supports a two-state solution.

April 13, 2025: Arson Attack at Governor's Mansion

On April 13, 2025, Josh Shapiro and his family survived an arson attack at the governor's mansion, which occurred hours after they held a Passover Seder.