In 2024, Shapiro faces calls for billions for schools, a presidential election and wary lawmakers

Governor Josh Shapiro speaks with Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator, left, and Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Mayor, right, during a press conference, announcing the reopening six lanes of traffic on I-95 after the deadly fire and collapse of the roadway just 12 days ago, at I-95 southbound at Cottman Ave in Philadelphia on Friday, June 23, 2023.

- Marc Levy

"Over the past 12 days, the eyes of the country have been on Pennsylvania. We showed them what our grit and determination can accomplish, and we showed them good government in action," said Governor Shapiro. "This is what we can do when government at all levels come together to get the job done. Let this serve as an example to all that Pennsylvania can do big things. When we come together, when we're determined, we can do big things in this city and in this Commonwealth - and this is proof." Shapiro could face a more difficult 2024 in his sophomore year in charge of Pennsylvania after his first year brought a highway collapse, a train derailment, a budget stalemate, and fallout with allies and adversaries as he navigated political divisions in a premier battleground state.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) — In 2024, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro could face a more complicated sophomore year in charge of Pennsylvania after his first year brought a highway collapse, a budget stalemate, and friction with allies and adversaries as he navigated the battleground state's political divides.

He is under pressure to respond to a court ruling that Pennsylvania's system of public school funding unconstitutionally discriminates against poorer districts.

His administration must also oversee a presidential election that, four years ago, was marred by a barrage of right-wing conspiracy theories, Donald Trump-allied efforts in court to overturn it, and threats against election administrators.

And Shapiro, viewed nationally as a rising political star, must navigate the nation's only politically divided legislature in which allies and adversaries alike are wary of him.