Gov. Shapiro Challenges Trump Order, Vows to Lower Electric Costs

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a recent executive order issued by President Trump that aims to compile a list of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote. Shapiro argues the order infringes on states' rights to administer elections. In a separate move, Shapiro outlined a plan to address rising electric costs in the state, including pushing for more utility profit transparency and legislative limits on utility profits.

Why it matters

Shapiro's actions on both voting rights and electricity rates demonstrate his willingness to take on the federal government and powerful utility companies to protect Pennsylvanians' interests. The voting rights lawsuit could have national implications, while the electricity rate fight aims to provide relief to residents facing skyrocketing power bills.

The details

Shapiro's lawsuit challenges Trump's executive order that calls on the Department of Homeland Security to compile a list of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote, and directs the Postal Service to place barcodes on ballot envelopes. Shapiro argues the order infringes on states' constitutional authority over elections. In his budget address, Shapiro also laid out a plan to rein in utility profits, including pushing the Public Utility Commission to increase transparency around rate hike requests and seeking legislation to limit utility profits.

• On April 4, 2026, Shapiro joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging President Trump's executive order on voting.
• On April 4, 2026, Shapiro outlined his plan to address rising electric costs during his annual budget address in Harrisburg.

What’s next

The multi-state lawsuit challenging President Trump's executive order on voting is expected to move forward in the courts. Shapiro's plan to address rising electric costs will require legislative action and negotiations with the Public Utility Commission.