Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) assured that he and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) are on good terms despite “different” political takes on some issues.
The New York Times ran a piece on Feb. 12 titled “Why Pennsylvania’s two most powerful Democrats don’t speak,” and delved into the “strained” relationship the two lawmakers share. However, Shapiro said “that’s not true” when asked about the piece, suggesting “journalists sometimes want to conjure up a lot of drama.”
“We have a constructive relationship to try and ensure that the people of Pennsylvania are served,” Shapiro said on ABC News’s This Week. “He and I are obviously different people. He casts some votes and takes some positions that I strongly disagree with, but at the end of the day, my job is to serve the people of Pennsylvania.”
Shapiro was asked if he’d endorse Fetterman if he seeks reelection. The governor responded that Fetterman needs to decide if he’ll seek reelection, and this isn’t for “another cycle.”
ABC News anchor Martha Raddatz pressed Shapiro on this potential endorsement, to which Shapiro said he doesn’t know if Fetterman intends to run for reelection. Fetterman has split from the Democratic Party on several key votes, as he was one of eight senators to join Republicans in reopening the government last November.
“He needs to decide if he’s running for reelection, and then we’ll make a determination thereafter,” Shapiro said.
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The governor also addressed the possibility of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deploying agents in Pennsylvania, saying he is preparing for this possibility. He said Trump said in a recent governor’s meeting that he learned “we’re only going to go to places where we’re wanted,” and said Pennsylvanians do not want ICE deployment.
“So don’t come, but if you come, we are prepared to address it,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro is seeking reelection this November and launched his reelection bid in January. The governor is one of several prominent Democrats rumored to be considering a potential presidential run in 2028, the year Fetterman will be up for reelection.