In racing, this is called “holding pole position.”
Starting a race in the most advantageous position, usually at the very front of the starting grid, gained by the fastest qualifier, giving a significant advantage due to the shortest distance and a clear track ahead, a term derived from horse racing where the inside rail was marked by a pole.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro it certainly has that advantage.
Shapiro announced Tuesday that his Shapiro For Pennsylvania Political Action Committee. ended 2025 with over $30 million in cash.
The fundraising total includes more than $10 million raised in the final quarter of 2025 from donations from all 67 counties in the Commonwealth and all 50 states.
His campaign’s statement said that “with this level of support, Shapiro for Pennsylvania has the most funds raised and the highest ending cash balance in the non-election year period of any registered Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign.”
According to Spotlight PAmore than $30 million in Shapiro’s PAC is roughly three times the amount in both cases Tomek Wilk Or Ed Rendell they joined the re-election campaign.
The governor, who has enjoyed sturdy support throughout his term, is expected to formally announce his re-election campaign at separate events on Thursday in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garritywho announced her campaign for the Republican nomination against Shapiro in August, has gained the support of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, as well Attorney General Dave Sunday AND Auditor General Tim DeFoor. Country Senator Doug Mastrianwho was defeated by Shapiro in the 2022 campaign, has hinted that he may run again but has not yet spelled out his future plans.
Shapiro hopes a victory in 2026 will improve his chances for the presidency in 2028 and is supporting congressional candidates in Pennsylvania Bob Brooks (D-07), Paige Cognetti (D-08) i Janelle Stelson (D-10) to assist Democrats in their efforts to retake the United States House of Representatives.
