Pritzker and Shapiro are Two Progressive Peas in a Pod

In his recent Wall Street Journal feature about the presidential ambitions of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, John McCormick floated Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as an alternative candidate for the Democratic Party in the 2028 election. Unfortunately, not much daylight exists between these two governors.

Like Illinois, Pennsylvania continues to bleed residents. For 14 of the previous 15 years, the Keystone State has lost more residents than gained to interstate migration. Polling reveals that outgoing Pennsylvanians seek lower taxes, a more affordable cost of living, and better employment opportunities. Pennsylvania’s notoriously obtuse regulatory environment and uncompetitive tax environment—two policy areas Shapiro has broadly neglected—continue to drive Pennsylvania residents and businesses to more prosperous states like Texas and Florida.

Shapiro masquerades as a moderate, especially when considering education reform.  While Pritzker’s quick capitulation on school choice is no surprise, then-candidate Shapiro promised to support scholarships for students trapped in failing public schools. When a scholarship program landed on his desk in 2023, he vetoed it. Yet, the pandering continues. Shapiro calls the scholarship idea “unfinished business,” blaming his unforced error on a “divided legislature.” 

Shapiro also shares Pritzker’s penchant for enacting carbon taxes, subsidizing wind and solar, and suing the Trump administration.

The only difference between Pritzker and Shapiro is their rhetoric. While Pritzker campaigned and governed as a “progressive hero,” Shapiro promised to be a “different Democrat.” Yet, Shapiro has failed to work with the state legislature to deliver on his campaign promises.

To be a genuine alternative to Pritzker, Shapiro must distinguish himself from the Illinois governor’s heavy-handed tax-and-spend governing style. So far, he has yet to do so.