Gov. Josh Shapiro is among the leading contenders to be the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee, while former Vice President Kamala Harris lands in the second tier, according to the Washington Post.

“The popular Pennsylvania governor is lesser known nationally but could have a big year,” wrote Post political analyst Amber Phillips. “He’s up for re-election and is trying to help Democrats take back control of the House by helping his party win four of the most competitive races in the nation, which are in Pennsylvania.”

All four candidates backed by Shapiro in Democratic primaries for those House districts, including Janelle Stelson in the 10th Congressional District, won on May 19.

Shapiro was placed in the “standouts” category by the Post along with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

“Shapiro champions liberal causes and is on board with making the midterms about Trump,” wrote Phillips. “He also sometimes criticizes the most liberal wing of the party, especially on issues relating to Israel. (Shapiro is Jewish and talks extensively about his faith.) Utah’s conservative, Republican governor said Shapiro would make a good president.”

Harris, who replaced then-President Joe Biden on the 2024 ballot, was put in the “middle of the pack” group with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and a slew of other senators.

Shapiro was in consideration to be Harris’ running mate after she replaced Biden on the ticket, but she eventually chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The Post has been paying close attention to Shapiro lately.

On May 22, it published an article headlined, “Why 2026 will be critical to Josh Shapiro’s 2028,” in which his White House prospects were tied to his success or failure in flipping those four targeted congressional districts, as well as the state Senate into Democratic hands.

According to poll aggregator RealClearPolitics.com, Shapiro’s polling average is at 6% in the crowded Democratic field of 2028 contenders with Harris at 24.5%, Newsom at 16.3%, Buttigieg at 13.2%, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York City at 12.8% and Kelly at 6.8%.

A recent Emerson College poll had Shapiro and Harris tied at 10% each, behind Buttigieg (18%), Newsom (16%), and AOC (11%).