Full Breakdown
Obama Endorses Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Ahead of 2026 Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Former President’s Video Endorsement
On October 9, 2026, former President Barack Obama released a short video urging Pennsylvania voters to support incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro. Obama praised Shapiro’s record and framed the race as a choice between “decency and integrity” and the “chaos, cruelty and corruption” he says is emanating from Washington. The endorsement is part of a broader push in which Obama has recorded roughly two dozen videos for Democratic Senate and gubernatorial candidates nationwide.
Background & Context
Shapiro and Obama have maintained a political connection for nearly two decades. Shapiro first endorsed Obama’s 2008 primary bid while serving as a state legislator, and Obama later backed Shapiro’s 2018 campaign for Pennsylvania attorney general. During Shapiro’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Obama and then-President Joe Biden appeared at a rally in Philadelphia, helping secure the governor’s election. As governor, Shapiro has frequently sued the federal government, filing more than two dozen lawsuits against the Trump administration over funding freezes, voting restrictions, and other policies. The 2026 race pits Shapiro against Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump earlier in the year.
Data & Statistics
- A Quinnipiac University poll released in early October found Shapiro leading Garrity by 25 points among likely voters and gave Shapiro a 63 percent job-approval rating.
- A separate New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena poll from the previous month showed a 20-point advantage for Shapiro.
- The race is viewed as the only “Solid Democrat” contest among swing-state gubernatorial contests, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Official Statements & Responses
Shapiro’s campaign reiterated the endorsement, noting the long-standing personal friendship and political alliance between the two men. Obama’s endorsement is being positioned as a final surge of national Democratic support in the weeks leading up to the November 2026 election.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro has your back — and in this election, I'm asking you to have his,” — Barack Obama
- “Stacy Garrity has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Pennsylvania — SHE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!,” — Donald Trump
What’s Next
With less than a month before the November 2026 election, Shapiro remains the clear favorite in the polls, but the race will likely draw additional national attention and fundraising as both parties seek to solidify control of a pivotal swing state. Analysts note that Shapiro’s strong showing could position him as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, though he has emphasized that his immediate focus is securing a second term as governor.