Shapiro says officials must "lead by example" in heated rhetoric

Key points

• Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said lawmakers must "lead by example" amid dangerous campaign rhetoric.
• Shapiro cited the 2025 arson attack on the governor's residence after a Passover Seder.
• He said threats against him and his family have increased since the attack.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Sunday that lawmakers must "lead by example" amid what he described as dangerous campaign rhetoric that has escalated as Election Day approaches. Speaking on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Shapiro said he tries to bring kindness in the face of cruelty from the president.

Shapiro, first elected governor in 2022 and seeking reelection this year, discussed threats against him and his family. He highlighted the 2025 arson attack on the governor's residence after he and his family celebrated Passover with a Seder there.

Threats and personal impact

Shapiro said the attack "weighs on me, but it doesn't control me." He noted that since the arson, "even more people have threatened me and my wife, our family — threatened us based on how I worship."

He said the threats motivate him to keep doing his job and not let the bad guys win. Shapiro and his family met before he decided to seek reelection, and "everybody agreed — can't let the bad guys win."

It weighs on me, but it doesn't control me.

— Josh Shapiro

Rhetoric on the campaign trail

Asked about rhetoric in places like Michigan, where a key Senate race is playing out, Shapiro said, "It's dangerous. It's hateful." He said he has profound differences with the person he is running against and with the president, but added that engaging in cruelty is not the answer and makes everyone less safe.

Shapiro said people must stand up against hate and try to bring decency back to the country.