Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expands workforce and maintains campaign lead

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is implementing a strategy to bolster the state workforce by recruiting displaced federal employees. Following an executive order signed in March 2025, the state’s Office of Administration now recognizes federal government experience as equivalent to Commonwealth work experience for civil service roles. As of August 2026, the administration reported hiring 1,350 individuals with federal backgrounds, including roles in nursing, corrections, information technology, law, and engineering. The state aims to reach nearly 2,000 such hires by the end of the second year of the order.

In parallel, campaign finance disclosures reveal a significant financial advantage for Governor Shapiro in his reelection bid against Republican challenger Stacy Garrity. Between June 9 and September 14, Shapiro’s campaign spent $31 million, with over $19 million dedicated to television and digital advertising. Shapiro entered the final weeks of the campaign with nearly $20 million in cash, maintaining a roughly 20-to-1 fundraising advantage over Garrity, who reported $1.4 million in remaining funds. Shapiro has also contributed $5.6 million to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party to support statewide legislative efforts.