Potential 2024 Presidential Race Could Reignite Political Feud: Former President Donald Trump and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

WASHINGTON — As the 2024 presidential race takes shape, former President Donald Trump may once again confront a notable adversary from his previous tenure: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. With President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential contest, Shapiro has emerged as a prominent figure and potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. Shapiro’s rise to national prominence is largely attributed to his tenure as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, where he played a significant role in challenging Trump’s policies and defending the integrity of the state’s 2020 election results.

Shapiro’s Ascendancy through Legal and Political Battles

Shapiro’s confrontations with Trump have been instrumental in elevating his national profile and establishing a robust track record on pivotal issues. J.J. Abbott, a former spokesman for Governor Tom Wolf, emphasized the impact of Shapiro’s legal engagements with Trump. “Shapiro’s battles with Trump were crucial in raising his profile and cementing a notable track record on many important issues,” Abbott observed.

Shortly after taking office in January 2017, Shapiro became a key player in a coalition of state attorneys general opposing Trump’s proposed travel ban. This controversial ban aimed to restrict entry into the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries, a policy Trump had championed during his campaign as a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Shapiro’s involvement in this legal challenge marked him as a significant figure in the national debate over immigration policy.

High-Profile Legal Challenges and Political Impact

Throughout his tenure, Shapiro continued to be a vocal critic of Trump’s policies. One notable instance was his role in opposing Trump’s efforts to roll back the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate. This mandate required employers to provide contraceptive coverage in health insurance plans. The Trump administration’s proposed expansion of exemptions based on religious and moral objections faced strong legal resistance, including from Shapiro. Despite these efforts, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trump in a 7-2 decision in 2020.

The legal landscape became even more contentious during the 2020 presidential election. Shapiro was at the forefront of defending Pennsylvania’s election procedures against Trump’s claims of fraud. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to extend the deadline for mail-in ballots, a move supported by Shapiro, was challenged by Trump and his allies. Despite attempts to overturn the election results, Shapiro’s defense and his involvement in rejecting a Texas lawsuit aimed at invalidating Biden’s victories in several key swing states, including Pennsylvania, underscored his significant role in upholding electoral integrity.

Shapiro’s Political Rise and Electoral Success

Shapiro’s legal and political battles, particularly against Trump and election deniers, significantly contributed to his appeal during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign. Brian Frosh, then Attorney General of Maryland, commended Shapiro’s skills and determination. “He’s very smart, very capable. He’s hard-working. He’s willing to take risks,” Frosh noted. Shapiro’s confrontation with Trump and his Republican opponent Doug Mastriano, who had participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, enhanced his appeal to voters.

Additionally, Shapiro’s investigation into sexual abuse allegations against the Catholic Church served as a model for similar probes in other states, further demonstrating his commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable.

Broader Trend of Attorney Generals Transitioning to Prominent Political Roles

Shapiro’s rise reflects a broader trend where attorneys general leverage high-profile legal battles to advance their political careers. This trend is evident across party lines, with figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously served as California’s Attorney General, and Republicans like Senator Josh Hawley and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who also utilized their roles as attorneys general to build national profiles.

The strategy of opposing the sitting president in high-stakes litigation has become a common pathway for newly appointed attorneys general seeking to gain prominence. Shapiro’s approach mirrored this strategy, effectively leveraging his legal challenges to garner national attention and establish himself as a formidable political figure.

Looking Ahead: Potential Showdown and Political Implications

As the 2024 presidential race approaches, Shapiro’s potential candidacy as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate could rekindle his legal and political rivalry with Trump. This upcoming election may present a dramatic rematch of their previous confrontations, with Shapiro bringing his extensive experience and established track record to the national stage. His role in challenging Trump’s policies and defending critical issues will likely continue to influence his political trajectory as he navigates the complex dynamics of the forthcoming election.

Conclusion

Josh Shapiro’s legal battles against former President Donald Trump and his subsequent rise to the governorship highlight the evolving role of state attorneys general in shaping national politics. His experiences and high-profile challenges against Trump have positioned him as a significant player in the 2024 presidential race, with potential implications for the broader political landscape. As Shapiro prepares for a possible national role, his past confrontations with Trump and his strategic approach will undoubtedly continue to impact his future political endeavors.