Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is launching a new political action committee called New Path PAC, a move that has absolutely nothing to do with any presidential ambitions he may or may not harbor for 2028 - according to no one who believes that.

The committee's website states it is dedicated to electing candidates who will oppose President Trump. In a statement that could charitably be described as on-the-nose, the site says New Path PAC "will help Governor Josh Shapiro build a movement to get citizens to rise up, demand more, and elect candidates who will put a check on Donald Trump and JD Vance's chaos, cruelty, and corruption." Because nothing says "check on chaos" like a fresh PAC.

Shapiro is widely considered one of many potential Democratic presidential contenders for 2028, buoyed by his popularity in the Keystone State. A Quinnipiac University poll earlier this month found his job approval at 62 percent - a number most politicians would trade a kidney for.

But first, there's the small matter of winning reelection. Polls consistently show Shapiro with a comfortable lead. The same Quinnipiac poll put him ahead of his Republican opponent by 26 points, 60 percent to 34 percent, among likely voters. Nonpartisan election forecaster Decision Desk HQ, a partner of The Hill, gives Shapiro a 95 percent chance of winning reelection - a number so high it's practically a coronation.

Even on the campaign trail, Shapiro can't escape questions about his future ambitions. During an Oct. 7 debate against Republican opponent Stacy Garrity, the Pennsylvania state treasurer, moderators asked Shapiro whether he would commit to serving his full four-year term as governor if reelected in November. Instead of answering directly, Shapiro pivoted to Garrity's own term: "The treasurer made a commitment she would serve her full term as treasurer," he said. "She's obviously broken that, and I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure she's able to serve all four years." A masterclass in not answering the question while technically answering a different one.

When asked in the past if he will run for president, Shapiro has not answered directly. But he told Rev. Al Sharpton at a convention in April that he will "be a part of" conversations about the party's future. Which is either a noncommittal shrug or the political equivalent of a wink and a finger gun - take your pick.