December 09, 2025 - Washington, D.C.
Governor Josh Shapiro sat down alongside Utah Governor Spencer Cox for a conversation moderated by TODAY co-anchor and NBC News Chief Legal Correspondent Savannah Guthrie at the Washington National Cathedral, discussed the accelerating trend of political violence across the country called for greater unity among all Americans to condemn all forms of political violence. The event, Choosing a Better Way: Restoring Healthy Political Discourse in America, brought the governors together for a timely discussion on rebuilding trust and strengthening faith in our institutions.Governor Shapiro - who has confronted incidents of political violence in Pennsylvania, including the attempted assassination on his own life during the arson attack at the Governor's Residence in April - spoke about the urgent need to address the increasing disillusionment with American politics, restore faith in our institutions, and create opportunity for all Americans. He emphasized that those in public life must condemn political violence in all its forms, defend democratic principles, and work to lower the temperature of the national discourse. Governor Cox, who has also navigated high-profile acts of violence in his state, reflected on the importance of steady leadership in moments of crisis and noted that he and Governor Shapiro have often leaned on one another throughout these challenges.The event brought together two governors from opposite political parties for a substantive discussion about the responsibilities of leadership in moments of crisis, the rising threat of political violence, and the work required to rebuild a civic culture rooted in dignity, safety, and hope. Governor Shapiro underscored the need for leaders to speak and act with moral clarity, condemn political violence in all its forms, and help lower the temperature of our national discourse.Speakers Include:The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall HollerithMelody BarnesHeather GerkenDr. Yuval LevinGovernor Spencer CoxGovernor Josh ShapiroSavannah Guthrie, NBC News
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