PORTSMOUTH, Va. — As Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro trotted out to speak to voters Sunday at a community center in this city in southeastern Virginia, the crowd roared and clapped every time he referred to the person he was there to support: Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor.

His message wasn’t subtle. Shapiro, a prospective 2028 presidential candidate, lauded Spanberger as a “compassionate,” “caring” and “well-grounded person” who’d act as a “freedom fighter” — and whose leadership of the state would help protect it from President Donald Trump.

“She’s going to protect your fundamental freedoms. That’s where governors matter most. Because right now we’ve got a President of the United States who’s attacking the states, making it harder for you to get ahead, making st

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