Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro to publish memoir, amid ’28 presidential speculation

Democrat who often speaks of Jewish identity was vilified for pro-Israel views when considered as Kamala Harris’s running mate, and was later targeted in a Passover arson attack

By Agencies 21 October 2025, 4:11 pm

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, accompanied by his wife Lori Shapiro, speaks during a news conference after Cody Balmer, who set fire to Shapiro's residence, pled guilty to attempted murder and other charges, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has a book coming out in January, touching upon everything from his swift political rise to the trauma of his home being set on fire.

Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced Tuesday that “Where We Keep the Light: From a Life of Service” will be released January 27.

Shapiro, 52, has become a prominent national Democrat since he was elected governor in 2022. He was on Kamala Harris’s shortlist as a running mate in last year’s presidential election and he has often been cited as a potential presidential candidate for 2028.

According to Harper, Shapiro “shares powerful stories about his family, his faith, and his career in public service.”

“Gov. Shapiro reflects on what he has learned along his journey,” Tuesday’s announcement reads in part, “knocking on doors, serving his community, and bringing people together to tackle the tough problems we face.”

In April, a man set fire to the governor’s mansion while Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside, according to authorities.

This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, PA. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP)

The Shapiros, who hours earlier had hosted a gathering for Passover, were awakened by state police and ushered to safety. Cody Balmer pleaded guilty last week to charges of arson and attempted murder, and was sentenced under a plea deal to 25 to 50 years in state prison.

Shapiro, who attended Jewish school growing up, regularly speaks about his religious identity amid growing antisemitism in the US.

A traditional pro-Israel Democrat, when considered as Harris’s running mate he came under intense scrutiny for his position on the war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza. Some commentators said the campaign to block Shapiro unjustly singled him out for being Jewish, since the other candidates — including Tim Walz, who became Harris’s pick — also had pro-Israel records.