(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’s ready to work with President Donald Trump.
The Democratic leader of Pennsylvania, where support for domestic energy production and a populist enthusiasm for the commander-in-chief resonates loudly, issued a statement Monday congratulating the new administration and pledging a cordial partnership, albeit conditionally.
“As governor, I have a responsibility to serve the people of Pennsylvania – and I go to work every single day focused on making life better and delivering results for them,” he said. “Over the last two years, I’ve worked across the aisle – bringing Democrats and Republicans together – to solve problems, cut taxes and reduce costs, create real opportunity in our classrooms, invest in public safety, create jobs, and grow our economy.
“I remain committed to those commonsense Pennsylvania priorities, and where our priorities are aligned, I stand ready to work with the Trump administration to continue our progress here in Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania’s key role in the 2024 election cycle began with its coveted 19 electoral votes, a pot that both candidates needed to secure the White House. It’s also the state where, on July 13, a man lost his life after a would-be assassin opened fire at a Trump rally, grazing the president’s ear and seriously wounding a second man in the crowd.
Corey Comperatore, 50, served as a volunteer fire chief in Buffalo Township and died shielding his family from the bullets. Trump paid homage to the fire chief throughout the rest of his campaign and featured his uniform on stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
And during his inaugural address on Monday, he said, “I was saved by God to make America great again.”
Shapiro, himself, rose to the national stage as rumors swirled that Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced her boss on the Democratic ticket at the 11th hour, was considering him for her running mate. Ultimately, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was tapped.
In 2022, Shapiro trounced Trump-backed opponent and rightwing firebrand Doug Mastriano by 14.8 percentage points. During his own inaugural speech on Jan. 17, 2023, the governor promised unity and to leave Pennsylvania “better off” than it was before.
He struck a familiar chord in his statement Monday.
“At the same time, as I have done throughout my career, I will always defend our fundamental freedoms and stand up to efforts to erode them,” he said. “I will continue our work to build a commonwealth where all Pennsylvanians have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
“I believe there’s more that unites us as Americans than divides us – and as the Trump administration begins its work, we must focus on the commonsense issues that bring people together to move our commonwealth and our country forward.”