Shapiro and the Definition of Extremism

July 30, 2025

Imagine my surprise when I read Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent remarks regarding his opinion of the legislators who want to preserve girls’ and women’s sports as they have traditionally been played. Girls competing against girls. No men or boys allowed! What was so radical about that?

At its inception, that concept was heralded as a step of progress for women and girls. New opportunities for fun and financial reward that were once only offered to boys and men were being made available to girls and women too. For a long time, everybody seemed happy about that!

Who knew that a simple request in the ordinary course of a day, calling for a vote to come to the House floor, would be so triggering for the governor? His visceral response and his lashing out by calling Republicans and Democrats alike “extremists” seemed a little bit over the top.

What could possibly be his motivation in doing so? It certainly doesn’t help him in reaching a compatible level of compromise during the ongoing budget negotiations. So, what could possibly be driving him?

Some savvy political observers might venture to take a guess. They know that it has been widely reported that Gov. Shapiro is a bit bored and frustrated marking his time in the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. Everyone realizes he is seriously itching to move up to the big league of national Democrat politics. He came close once and wants to try again. But in order to be a player there, he needs to get some major attention and stand out against the others who are trying out for the “far-left radical” team. So of course he has to “out-Newsome, Newsome” and “out-Whitmer, Whitmer.” And what easier way than taking up the left’s attack on girls’ and women’s sports? That will “show ‘em what he’s got!”

But does Gov. Shapiro really believe those who support Senate Bill 9, “Fairness in Women’s Sports,” are “extremists”? Or is he just waving his progressive flag to get some much-needed attention? Maybe someone should ask him what his definition of extremism is. I think the girls and women of Pennsylvania deserve to know. After all, they make up half the population.


Representative Milou Mackenzie
131st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
WJones@pahousegop.com
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