Pennsylvania Republican Party Endorses Stacy Garrity for Governor

In a significant move, the Pennsylvania Republican Party endorsed state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the 2026 race for governor during its fall state committee meeting in State College over the weekend. Garrity, who was the only candidate nominated on the floor, was approved by a voice vote with a significant majority supporting her bid. This endorsement is a crucial step in Garrity's campaign, as it provides her with the backing of the state's Republican Party and its resources.

As Garrity embarks on her campaign, she has been highlighting her small-town roots in Bradford County, her experience as a combat veteran, and her time as elected official as reasons why she is positioned to take on incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro next year. Garrity has also promised to give back to the people of Pennsylvania, unlike Shapiro, who she claims has taken more and more of the state's money. "While Josh Shapiro has taken more and more of your money, my office has returned more than a billion dollars to its rightful owners," she said.

Garrity's victory in the Republican Party's endorsement is a testament to her popularity and appeal within the party. She was first elected as state treasurer in 2020 after defeating incumbent Democrat Joe Torsella by a narrow margin. Her reelection bid in 2024 saw her win three of the counties she visited, including Cumberland, Erie, and Bucks, while losing in more-Democratic friendly Allegheny and Lackawanna counties.

However, the endorsement by the Republican Party does not necessarily mean that Garrity will be the only candidate seeking the nomination. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, who was the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2022 and lost to Shapiro by double digits, has been teasing a 2026 run for months through social media posts and interviews. Mastriano secured the GOP nomination for governor in 2022 during a crowded primary that saw the state party largely stay on the sidelines.

The 2026 general election is over a year away, but a trio of national ratings outlets, the Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections, indicate that Shapiro is the favorite, rating the race as "likely Democratic." Despite this, Garrity is set to embark on a week-long trip kicking off her campaign, dubbed the "Help is on the Way Tour," and visit five different regions in the state for rallies.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pennsylvania Republican Party endorsed state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the 2026 race for governor.
• Garrity was the only candidate nominated on the floor and was approved by a voice vote.
• The endorsement provides Garrity with the backing of the state's Republican Party and its resources.
• Garrity has promised to give back to the people of Pennsylvania, unlike Shapiro, who she claims has taken more and more of the state's money.
• Garrity was first elected as state treasurer in 2020 after defeating incumbent Democrat Joe Torsella by a narrow margin.
• State Sen. Doug Mastriano, who was the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2022 and lost to Shapiro by double digits, has been teasing a 2026 run for months.
• The 2026 general election is over a year away, but a trio of national ratings outlets indicate that Shapiro is the favorite, rating the race as "likely Democratic."

Statistics:

• According to the Pennsylvania Republican Party, a significant majority supported Garrity's bid for governor.
• Garrity's 2024 reelection bid saw her win three of the counties she visited, including Cumberland, Erie, and Bucks.
• Shapiro won a majority of counties in the 2022 election, including Allegheny and Lackawanna counties.

Sources:

• Commonweatlh Media Services
• penncapital-star.com
• Politico
• ABC27
• Inside Elections
• Cook Political Report
• Sabato's Crystal Ball