Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his first budget address to a joint session of the state House and Senate on March 7, 2023 (Credit: Amanda Mustard for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star).
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro reflected on his personal background, public service, and concerns about political violence in a wide-ranging interview with CBS News at local Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park.
Gov. Shapiro spoke about growing up attending the local synagogue, where he remains a member. He credited his parents, his father a pediatrician and his mother a teacher and activist, with inspiring his commitment to public service. He also shared, for the first time publicly, how his mother’s struggles with mental health shaped his childhood and influenced his outlook, writing candidly about both stability and turmoil at home.
Shapiro discusses the arson attack on the governor’s official residence in April 2025, which occurred hours after a Passover seder while his family was inside. Shapiro described the difficult conversations that followed with his children, including addressing fears tied to antisemitism and political violence. He emphasized his hope that no families would have to confront such fears because of their beliefs or identities.
Shapiro condemned political violence broadly, saying it has worsened in recent years and will only improve when leaders across the political spectrum denounce it consistently, regardless of the target or ideology involved.
You can read the full interview here.
