Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced her candidacy for governor, setting up a potential contest against incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in 2026. Garrity, a Republican, aims to challenge Shapiro on key issues such as energy production, education, and job creation. She believes Pennsylvania's natural resources, like natural gas, can provide significant economic opportunities for the state.
In an interview with Fox News, Garrity stated, "We really need to take advantage of what we have right under our feet, which would create a lot of financial breathing room for the Commonwealth that we desperately need." She aligns herself with President Donald Trump and other Republicans who advocate for increased energy production in Pennsylvania.
Garrity, who has served as state treasurer since 2020, has positioned herself as a candidate who will "bring jobs back, strengthen our economy, and make Pennsylvania more affordable for families," as reported by the Associated Press. Despite being relatively new to politics, Garrity is confident in her ability to challenge Shapiro, who is known for his strong fundraising capabilities and political experience.
Garrity's campaign will focus on issues like school choice and reducing government intervention in personal finances. She criticized Shapiro for his stance on education and sports policies, accusing him of aligning with "radical liberals" and not prioritizing fairness in women's athletics.
As the campaign unfolds, Garrity will need to overcome Shapiro's established reputation and fundraising prowess. Shapiro has previously won three statewide races and is considered a potential White House contender in 2028. The race for Pennsylvania governor is expected to be highly competitive, with Garrity seeking to appeal to voters across the state by emphasizing her pro-worker, pro-energy, and pro-America agenda.