Working across the aisle

At the governor’s mansion, Shapiro told reporters that Democrats planned to move on a lengthy list of policy priorities Republicans in the state Senate blocked.

“We will fund mass transit,” he said. “We will raise the minimum wage. We will make sure that women have a right to reproductive freedom here in this commonwealth. We will build more housing. We will allow survivors of abuse the ability to confront their abusers in court.”

Leckrone said that as Democrats navigate new leadership roles and enhanced power, there will likely be a flurry of bills in the new term.

“You’ve got a lot of pent-up energy among the Democrats who were looking forward to getting this trifecta over the last couple of election cycles,” he said.

For example, state Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, told WHYY News that he hoped to work with the governor on housing issues, beyond increasing housing stock. Saval, who did not attend the governor’s news conference, currently serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Housing Committee and could be in line to become its chair under the new Democratic majority.

“I think there’s a lot we can do on housing when it comes to tenants’ rights, to easing the restrictions on zoning and permitting that prevent us from building more types of housing … and developing new tools for developing affordable housing,” he said. “I’m excited to do all of it.”

Democrat voter Colleen Klepser said she looks forward to seeing change in Harrisburg.

“I really do respect Josh Shapiro. Do I like everything he’s done? No, but I do like Josh Shapiro,” she said. “I think for once we need all Democrats to finally get some of the stuff done that needs to get done.”

Despite the new mandate, Shapiro said he hoped to keep Republicans engaged as they negotiate new policy proposals.

“I think I got a pretty good track record of working with these Republicans and I look forward to working directly with whoever the Republican Senate Caucus nominates to be their leader,” he said.

Leckrone said that it makes sense Shapiro would reach across the aisle as he considers his political future.

“If he’s going to run for president, it would look much better for him to have brought some moderate Republicans in on some of these issues in order to be able to get things passed,” he said.

At the mansion, Shapiro said that he was focused on his current job.