History of Josh Shapiro in Timeline
Joshua David Shapiro, the 48th governor of Pennsylvania since 2023, is an American politician and attorney affiliated with the Democratic Party. Prior to his governorship, he served as the 50th Pennsylvania attorney general (2017-2023) and as a member of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners (2012-2017).
1971: Milton Shapp Becomes First Jewish Governor of Pennsylvania
Milton Shapp served as the first Jewish governor of Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1979.
June 20, 1973: Birth of Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro was born on June 20, 1973. This event marks his birth.
1979: End of Milton Shapp's Governorship
Milton Shapp's term as the governor of Pennsylvania ended in 1979.
1992: Josh Shapiro Becomes Student Body President at University of Rochester
In 1992, Josh Shapiro became the first freshman to be elected student body president at the University of Rochester.
1995: Josh Shapiro Graduates from University of Rochester
Josh Shapiro graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester with a degree in political science in 1995.
1997: Marriage to Lori
Shapiro married Lori in 1997 after they reconnected in Washington, D.C. following their time together at Akiba Hebrew Academy.
1999: Josh Shapiro Becomes Chief of Staff for Representative Joe Hoeffel
Josh Shapiro served as Chief of Staff to Representative Joe Hoeffel from 1999 to 2003.
2002: Josh Shapiro Earns Law Degree from Georgetown
In 2002, Josh Shapiro earned his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
2003: Ed Rendell Becomes Second Jewish Governor of Pennsylvania
Ed Rendell became the second Jewish governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 2003 to 2011.
2003: Josh Shapiro Concludes Role as Chief of Staff
Josh Shapiro concluded his role as Chief of Staff for Representative Joe Hoeffel in 2003.
2004: Josh Shapiro Elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In 2004, Josh Shapiro was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Jon D. Fox.
2005: Josh Shapiro Begins Term in Pennsylvania House
Josh Shapiro served as a representative for Pennsylvania's 153rd district from 2005 to 2012.
2006: Josh Shapiro Helps Broker Deal to Elect Moderate Republican Speaker
Following the 2006 election, Josh Shapiro helped broker a deal that led to the election of moderate Republican Dennis O'Brien as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House. O'Brien then appointed Shapiro as Deputy Speaker.
2006: Josh Shapiro Re-elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Josh Shapiro was re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006.
2008: Josh Shapiro Backs Barack Obama for President
Josh Shapiro was an early supporter of Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008, going against much of the Pennsylvania political establishment that supported Hillary Clinton.
2008: Josh Shapiro Re-elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Josh Shapiro was re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2008.
2010: Josh Shapiro Re-elected to Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Josh Shapiro was re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2010.
2011: End of Ed Rendell's Governorship
Ed Rendell's time as the governor of Pennsylvania concluded in 2011.
2011: Josh Shapiro Elected to Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
In 2011, Josh Shapiro was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, marking the first time Republicans lost control of the county.
2012: Josh Shapiro Joins Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Josh Shapiro served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners from 2012 to 2017.
April 2015: Josh Shapiro Appointed Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Governor Tom Wolf appointed Josh Shapiro as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in April 2015.
2015: Josh Shapiro and Val Arkoosh Win Election to Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Both Josh Shapiro and his running mate, Val Arkoosh, won re-election to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2015, retaining a Democratic majority.
2015: Josh Shapiro Appointed Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
In 2015, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Josh Shapiro as Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
January 2016: Josh Shapiro Announces Candidacy for Attorney General
Josh Shapiro announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General in January 2016.
April 2016: Josh Shapiro Wins Democratic Primary for Attorney General
Josh Shapiro won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania Attorney General in April 2016.
November 2016: Josh Shapiro Elected Attorney General of Pennsylvania
In November 2016, Josh Shapiro was elected Attorney General of Pennsylvania.
2016: Shapiro's Previous Stance on the Death Penalty
During his 2016 campaign for attorney general, Shapiro maintained that the death penalty should be reserved for the most serious crimes. However, his perspective evolved after assuming the role of attorney general.
2016: Josh Shapiro Concludes Chairmanship of Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Josh Shapiro concluded his term as chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2016.
2016: Josh Shapiro Elected as Pennsylvania Attorney General
Josh Shapiro was elected as Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2016, defeating Republican John Rafferty Jr.
2017: Josh Shapiro Announces Roundup of "Million Dollar Heroin Ring"
In 2017, Josh Shapiro announced a large-scale drug bust as part of "Operation Outfoxed" in Luzerne County.
2017: Josh Shapiro Elected as Pennsylvania Attorney General
Josh Shapiro began his tenure as the 50th Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 2017.
January 2018: Josh Shapiro Takes on Tim Piazza Hazing Death Case
In January 2018, the case of Tim Piazza, a Penn State student who died from hazing, was referred to Josh Shapiro's office.
August 2018: Shapiro Reviews Fatal Shooting of Jeffrey Dennis
In August 2018, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner referred the case of the fatal shooting of Jeffrey Dennis by a Philadelphia police officer to Shapiro. This referral occurred because Krasner had previously served as Dennis's criminal defense attorney.
August 2018: Josh Shapiro Releases Report on Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
In August 2018, Josh Shapiro released a grand jury report alleging sexual abuse of over 1,000 children by priests in the Catholic Church.
2018: Shapiro Opposes Trump's Travel Ban and 3D-Printed Firearm Blueprints
In 2018, Shapiro joined other attorneys general in opposing President Trump's travel ban. He also worked to prevent the distribution of blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.
December 2019: Shapiro Charges State Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell
In December 2019, Shapiro brought charges against State Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell. These charges included perjury and theft of funds from her purportedly nonprofit charity. The alleged misuse of funds involved expenses related to vacations and clothing.
2019: Shapiro Secures Healthcare Access for Highmark Insurance Holders
In 2019, Shapiro spearheaded efforts to ensure that Highmark insurance holders could continue receiving treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The settlement, impacting 1.9 million insurance recipients, allowed individuals to retain their existing doctors as in-plan providers. This prevented the need for patients to switch either their medical providers or their insurance providers.
2019: Shapiro Supports Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
In 2019, Shapiro expressed support for legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, aligning with Governor Tom Wolf and other Pennsylvania Democrats.
2020: Shapiro's Campaign Releases Advertisement Targeting Doug Mastriano
During the lead-up to the primary election, Shapiro's campaign released a statewide televised advertisement that indirectly addressed Doug Mastriano, a potential Republican opponent. The ad, highlighting Mastriano's stance on issues like abortion and the 2020 election audit, was seen as a strategic move to potentially influence the Republican primary.
2020: Josh Shapiro Re-elected as Pennsylvania Attorney General
Josh Shapiro was re-elected as Pennsylvania Attorney General in 2020.
2020: Shapiro Serves as Elector for Biden-Harris in 2020 Presidential Election
Shapiro was selected as one of 20 electors by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party to cast their votes in the Electoral College for Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, during the 2020 United States presidential election.
July 2021: Shapiro Charges State Representative Margo L. Davidson with Theft and Election Code Violations
In July 2021, Shapiro filed charges against State Representative Margo L. Davidson, accusing her of theft by deception, solicitation to hinder apprehension, and Election Code violations. The charges stemmed from allegations of stealing from the Commonwealth through fraudulent overnight per diem requests and other expenses filed through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Comptroller's Office. Additionally, Davidson was accused of obstructing a state prosecution.
August 2021: Shapiro Settles Largest Prevailing Wage Criminal Case in U.S. History
In August 2021, Shapiro achieved a settlement in the largest prevailing wage criminal case in U.S. history. The plea agreement with Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. resulted in the company paying nearly $21 million to 1,267 Pennsylvania workers.
October 13, 2021: Shapiro Announces Candidacy for Governor of Pennsylvania
On October 13, 2021, Shapiro formally announced his candidacy for the 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election.
2021: Shapiro Announces Opioid Settlement with Johnson & Johnson
In 2021, Shapiro announced a significant opioid settlement reached with Johnson & Johnson and three other U.S. pharmaceutical distributors. This settlement resulted in Pennsylvania receiving $1 billion, aiming to address the companies' role in the opioid epidemic. The settlement resolved thousands of lawsuits against these companies.
January 2022: Shapiro's Campaign Reports Record Campaign Funds
In January 2022, Shapiro's gubernatorial campaign reported an unprecedented $13.4 million in campaign funds.
January 2022: Shapiro Receives Endorsements from Prominent Figures and Organizations
In January 2022, Shapiro received endorsements for his gubernatorial bid from various individuals and groups, including term-limited Governor Tom Wolf, former Governor Ed Rendell, and the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council.
May 17, 2022: Shapiro Secures Democratic Nomination for Governor
Shapiro ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and secured the nomination on May 17, 2022.
August 2022: Several Former Republican Officials Endorse Shapiro
In August 2022, eight former Republican officials, including former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman and former Congressman Charlie Dent, endorsed Shapiro for governor. They cited concerns about Mastriano's views, describing them as "extreme" and "divisive."
November 8, 2022: Shapiro Wins Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election
Shapiro emerged victorious in the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election on November 8, 2022, defeating Republican nominee Doug Mastriano with 56.5% of the vote.
2022: Shapiro Reverses Stance on Capital Punishment
In 2022, while campaigning for governor, Shapiro announced a shift in his position on capital punishment. Previously a supporter of the death penalty for "heinous crimes," he expressed his support for abolishing it in Pennsylvania.
2022: Josh Shapiro Elected Governor of Pennsylvania
In 2022, Josh Shapiro won the gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania, defeating Republican nominee Doug Mastriano.
January 17, 2023: Shapiro Sworn In as Governor of Pennsylvania
Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the governor of Pennsylvania on January 17, 2023, succeeding Tom Wolf.
March 2023: Proposal to Raise Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage
In March 2023, Shapiro proposed raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 by 2024.
June 11, 2023: Response to Interstate 95 Highway Collapse
Following the Interstate 95 highway collapse on June 11, 2023, Shapiro issued a "disaster emergency" proclamation, releasing funds and resources for immediate reconstruction. His leadership resulted in the collapsed portion of I-95 being rebuilt in less than two weeks.
July 31, 2023: Commonwealth Workers Transformation Program
On July 31, 2023, Shapiro signed an executive order that established the Commonwealth Workers Transformation Program (CWTP), which provides grants to ensure that companies and contractors have the skilled workforce required.
August 2023: Termination of Contract with Real Alternatives
In August 2023, Shapiro announced the end of Pennsylvania's contract with Real Alternatives, an anti-abortion non-profit, to defend abortion access in the state.
August 2023: Elimination of College Education Requirement for State Police Cadets
In August 2023, Shapiro eliminated the college education requirement for state police cadets.
September 2023: Resignation of Aide Mike Vereb
In September 2023, Shapiro's aide, Mike Vereb, resigned following accusations of sexual comments made to a female staffer. Shapiro's administration faced criticism for the delay in Vereb's resignation after the allegations surfaced.
September 19, 2023: Enactment of Automatic Voter Registration
On September 19, 2023, Shapiro announced Pennsylvania would implement automatic voter registration, enabling eligible individuals to be registered while obtaining driver's licenses, with an option to opt out.
December 13, 2023: Call for Support for Israel
On December 13, 2023, Shapiro stated that Israel has a responsibility to eliminate Hamas and urged the U.S. to provide support for the Israeli people in the aftermath of the conflict.
December 2023: Parole Violation Reform Bill
In December 2023, Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill, alongside rapper Meek Mill, to restrict the types of activities classified as parole violations.
2023: Condemnation of Antisemitism
In 2023, Shapiro showed support for a Jewish-owned restaurant facing antisemitic accusations and condemned pro-Palestinian protests at American colleges, calling for police intervention to protect students.
2023: Josh Shapiro Becomes Governor of Pennsylvania
In 2023, Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the 48th governor of Pennsylvania.
2023: School Choice Proposal
During the 2023 state budget discussions, Shapiro initially supported a Republican-led school choice proposal, but later withdrew support to avoid a budget delay due to opposition from House Democrats.
2023: Support for Israel in the Israel-Hamas War
During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, Shapiro voiced support for Israel and condemned Hamas's attack, but received criticism for not addressing Palestinian civilian casualties.
2025: Shapiro Proposes Corporate Tax Cut and Increased Police Hiring
Shapiro has proposed a plan to reduce Pennsylvania's corporate tax rate from nearly 10 percent to 4 percent by 2025. Additionally, he has advocated for hiring 2,000 more police officers across the state.