Pennsylvania state Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) is entering the gubernatorial race to challenge Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) as he seeks reelection next year.
Garrity announced her candidacy Monday in a video posted on social platform X, making her the first major Republican seeking to face off against Shapiro in 2026.
The video accuses Shapiro, viewed as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, of focusing on a potential White House run and fundraising in other states instead of addressing problems in the Keystone State like delays approving the state budget.
“Today, I’m announcing that I’m running to become Pennsylvania’s next governor, and I’m giving you and your family my solemn oath that I will work hard every day to fix the problems Josh Shapiro has created,” Garrity said.
The video emphasizes Garrity’s status as a veteran, having served in Iraq and reaching the rank of colonel. It also promotes ties between Garrity and President Trump, calling her a “strong ally” of the president.
The state treasurer said she wants to work to make Pennsylvania more affordable and attract more jobs so young adults choose to stay.
“I’m not just going to ask for your support,” she said. “I’m going to work hard every day to earn it.”
Garrity is the first major Republican to jump into the gubernatorial race, but others could join. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, who was the GOP nominee against Shapiro in 2022, is considering another run.
Mastriano had received significant attention over his far-right views and struggled in both fundraising and polling. Having been Democrats’ preferred choice and viewed as easier to beat in the general election, Mastriano lost by nearly 15 points.
But he could still gain traction in a Republican primary.
A few possible candidates have already ruled out bids, including Rep. Dan Meuser (R), to whom Trump had said would give his support. An endorsement in the Republican primary from the president would be critical in boosting a candidate’s chances of winning the nomination.
Still, Shapiro will be difficult to beat. He’s demonstrated himself to be a strong fundraiser and has enjoyed significant popularity throughout his term as governor.
He was asked Friday about his views on Garrity’s possible run, but he said he wouldn’t get involved in Republicans’ “intramural fight.”
“You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to keep creating jobs here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” he said. “I’m going to fund our kids’ schools. I’m going to make sure that we have more cops on the beat, and I’m going to focus on doing my job of bringing Republicans and Democrats together to get stuff done. That’s my focus.”
The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) slammed Garrity, accusing her of being “as extreme as they come.” The organization criticized her on issues like her support of Trump’s “big beautiful bill” and the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“Whether it’s Stacy Garrity or another flawed and extreme candidate who emerges to challenge Governor Shapiro, Republicans’ eventual nominee has an uphill battle to take on the Governor’s strong record of working across party lines to cut costs, invest in public safety, fund public education, and deliver for all Pennsylvanians,” said DGA spokesperson Izzi Levy.
Updated: 1:06 p.m. ET
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