Josh Shapiro Moves to Undermine AOC‑Backed Progressive Candidate in Pennsylvania Primary

Josh Shapiro’s covert push against the AOC‑backed candidate

Behind the scenes Pennsylvania’s governor, Josh Shapiro, is quietly steering allies to blunt the rise of state Rep. Chris Rabb, the progressive firebrand endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez. The May 19 Democratic primary has become a litmus test for the looming 2028 presidential showdown, pitting the party’s liberal flank against its centrist core.

Sources say Shapiro warned Philadelphia building‑trades unions to avoid funding negative ads that could aid Rabb’s rival, Sharif Street, and urged them to keep their support focused on the more moderate Ala Stanford. The maneuver aims to prevent Rabb – who has repeatedly clashed with the governor on immigration and Israel – from gaining a foothold in a district that leans heavily Democratic.

Polls show Rabb trailing Stanford by ↓ 5%, while Street lags behind both. A win would likely hand the seat to the party’s left‑wing, a scenario that could complicate Shapiro’s own national ambitions.

Rabb, a vocal critic of Israeli policies, has been accused of antisemitic remarks, a charge his campaign attributes to a former aide. Shapiro, who is Jewish, backs Israel but opposes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach.

“This is yet another D.C. story more focused on clicks than the reality on the ground in Pennsylvania,” Governor’s spokesperson Manuel Bonder told Reuters. “The governor has not endorsed or opposed anyone in this primary.”

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Words by: Caleb Frost

Reserve Desk Editor
(Note: Caleb Frost is covering this desk while Tariq Al-Fayed is recovering from the flu.)