Governor Josh Shapiro often speaks about leadership, service, and responsibility, but in a recent interview CBS Sunday Morning, he traced those values back to home. In particular, he credits the relationship with his mother and wife, Lori.
The Abington native described his mother as the greatest activist he has ever known. As a child, she pushed him to look beyond his neighborhood and understand the suffering of people across the world, teaching him that privilege comes with obligation. While he recalled a loving and joyful childhood, he also spoke openly about moments of chaos caused by his mother’s struggles with mental health. These experiences taught him early to seek calm, protect others, and solve problems.
That instinct to help has guided his entire career in public service, from protecting vulnerable children as attorney general to advocating for mental health access as governor. He hopes his mother sees her own influence reflected in the work he does today.
Shapiro also credited his wife, Lori, his best friend since ninth grade, She is the person who keeps him centered. In moments of imbalance, fear, or pressure, she provides clarity, honesty, and emotional grounding. While he strongly supports therapy and has expanded mental health access statewide, Shapiro said his conversations with Lori have been his most constant source of strength.
To learn more about Governor Shapiro’s reflections, visit CBS Sunday Morning.
