Top Democrat Governor Takes Action to Fill ‘Critical’ State Jobs Amid Federal Cuts

One potential Democratic candidate for 2028 issued an executive directive to fill the hundreds of vacancies within his state government while also focusing on openings in the private sector.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, along with other dignitaries, signed the order at a Harrisburg job fair. The order called for federal bureaucrats, as well as others, to be considered to fill a variety of jobs in the civil service in Harrisburg.

Shapiro stated in his order, “The commonwealth acknowledges that an effective and efficient delivery of public services to Pennsylvanians depends on a talented and dedicated workforce.”

According to Shapiro, the executive order aims to “capitalize federal layoffs” by accepting that federal experience is equivalent to state experience for top state recruitment needs.

The statement said that veterans and service members will also have direct contact with recruiters, in addition to the publication of 23 high-priority state positions.

“The commonwealth must attract and retain qualified employees who are drawn to a career in public service to fill its existing vacancies,” the order reads, citing an estimated 103,700 Pennsylvanians employed by the feds in 2024.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver stated in a press release, “Federal employees are among the best-qualified and most experienced in the entire world, and they perform many of the same duties as Commonwealth workers.”

Weaver stated that the executive order would help people with prior federal experience to find job opportunities and continue in public service. It will also allow them to put their skills into action for Pennsylvanians.

Shapiro’s order is aimed at encouraging qualified federal employees to relocate to Harrisburg up I-83. A source who has been following his work noted that the Governor remains committed to a comprehensive strategy designed to bring top talent into Pennsylvania’s public and private sector.

Shapiro met with leaders of the private sector at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh the day before issuing his executive order focusing on jobs in state government. He was looking to increase economic growth in Western Pennsylvania.

Shapiro talked about the “lightning” plan he has to create more jobs and reduce costs. He said, “We’ve not done anything significant on Energy Generation in recent years since [Ed] Rendell’s administration. It’s now time to take charge again.”

Shapiro spoke with Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, in October. Governor Shapiro said that neither party discussed politics but rather investment in Pennsylvania.

A source who was familiar with Shapiro’s administration suggested that he had been the leader in increasing the efficiency of the federal government before Trump and Musk began their effort to reduce waste. This is because his slogan, which he often repeated, “Get it done,” has become a popular one.

Conservatives quickly criticized Shapiro’s order. The state House minority leader suggested that any government positions be filled first.

Jesse Topper (R-McConnellsburg), state representative, said: “While the President is utilizing his authority to guide the federal government to a new level of accountability to taxpayers by reducing the size of the bureaucracy, adding more to it here in Pennsylvania would be a mistake.”

“When a job becomes vacant in Pennsylvania’s administrative apparatus, the question should first be asked if it is truly needed rather than how quickly it can be filled,” Topper continued, adding that the focus should be on “state-specific ways to get our fiscal house in order.”

Meanwhile, a potential 2026 Shapiro opponent said the governor’s order will “make living in Pennsylvania worse.”

Doug Mastriano (R-Gettysburg) said that he had already presented a budget of $51 billion, which was unsustainable and would kill jobs, but this wasn’t enough.

“He is desperately trying to gain attention for himself by attempting to make a grandstand. He doesn’t blink an eye while he destroys Pennsylvania’s economy and the livelihoods of our families.”

Last week, Mastriano launched an initiative for Pennsylvania to create its own Department of Government Efficiency.