From New York City to San Francisco, voters are seeing their cities fall apart due to reckless crime policies, careless government spending and leaders who care more about quippy one-liners on social media than public safety. All eyes are now on New York City’s newest far-left sensation, Zohran Mamdani, whose vision represents a warning sign for what’s happening across the country.

What’s even more striking is the silence, excuses and refusal to denounce antisemitism, racism and anti-law enforcement rhetoric from national Democrats, especially Gov. Josh Shapiro. Instead of confronting the left’s out-of-touch and harmful policies spreading in America’s biggest cities, Shapiro hides. He avoids hard questions and won’t hold himself accountable.

This silence isn’t by chance. Since he was selected as a potential vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris, Shapiro has been stuck between a rock and a hard place, trying to please donors in Washington while pretending to be moderate at home. But Pennsylvania voters see through it. If Shapiro thinks he has a shot at becoming president one day or running for higher office, voters in Pennsylvania and nationwide deserve to know whether he would turn the Keystone State into the next San Francisco or New York City.

If he sees a future down the road, he must answer a simple question: Does he support the radical and chaotic direction New York City is taking, or will he stand up against the extreme members of his own party? By staying silent, Shapiro is signalling his compliance and support.

Shapiro dreams about 2026 and national headlines, but what Pennsylvanians want is real results, not more empty statements and political games. Pennsylvanians are fed up with politicians who avoid responsibility and advance policies that lurch us too far to the left. They want leaders who stand for something when it matters.Shapiro has had many opportunities to denounce the radical policies ruining our cities. Instead, he has chosen silence.

Shapiro can’t have it both ways. If he wants to represent the Democratic Party in 2028, he owes voters a clear answer: Does he support the radical and chaotic vision emerging in New York City? Pennsylvanians deserve answers. More importantly, they need leaders who aren’t afraid of tough questions and prioritize the people. It’s time for Josh Shapiro to stop hiding and start showing what he really stands for.

Stacy Garrity, a businesswoman and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel, is Pennsylvania treasurer.

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