Inside the rift that could define the future of Pennsylvania politics

John Fetterman and Gov. Josh Shapiro are seen to have an increasingly volatile relationship in Pennsylvania politics.

The two politicians have seen their fortunes improve or their national prominence grow more in the Donald Trump era.

Both are seen harboring future presidential ambitions, while carving out unique paths to the top of the state’s pecking order.

Fetterman and his allies have pointed to a dispute when both served on the state’s Board of Pardons as the origin of their falling-out.

Multiple people said the feud appears to be much more about Fettingman training his ire at Shapiro than the other way around.

Fettermen has taken public steps — like sitting while Shapiro spoke at a rally and talking about their dispute — to express his displeasure while Shapiro has not.

Shapiro and Fetterman have almost never appeared at the same event since a July 2023 press conference.

Shapiro has been known to take a more active role in helping down-ballot Democrats with their campaigns.

The two men haven’t always been at odds.

Some Democrats expressed concerns that the beef could impede the state party’s efforts in the general election.