Governor Shapiro Voices Strong Disagreement

In a Thursday interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he holds "profound differences" with Darializa Avila Chevalier, the 32‑year‑old Democratic socialist who won her district’s primary with the endorsement of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Shapiro emphasized that while voters chose Chevalier, her platform includes calls to abolish police, prisons, and borders, as well as proposals to seize private property and nationalize major industries. He pointed to a deleted X account linked to Chevalier that contained thousands of posts supporting these measures and questioning Israel’s right to exist.

The candidate also attended a pro‑Palestinian rally the day after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel—a rally that drew condemnation from other candidates, including Brad Lander, who warned that the event spoke about Hamas in "vile" terms. Shapiro said he cannot align with such positions, stating, "She’s not someone I would agree with on many things or that we share similar values."

Despite the disagreement, Shapiro clarified that his criticism is focused on policy differences, not on the voters who elected Chevalier. He reiterated his commitment to Democratic values, describing himself as a defender of Israel while advocating for a two‑state solution.

Shapiro is running for reelection this fall and is considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race. He highlighted the broader significance of this intra‑party debate, noting that Democrats have not faced a “battle over what we believe in” since the 1992 election of Bill Clinton.

In addition to the primary clash, Shapiro has been actively supporting Pennsylvania Democrats in efforts to flip up to four Republican‑held U.S. House seats. He underscored the importance of turning words into concrete actions that improve people’s lives, urging the party to move beyond rhetoric.

The interview reflects a growing rift within the Democratic Party as progressive candidates gain prominence, prompting established leaders like Shapiro to articulate clear distinctions between traditional Democratic policies and more radical proposals.