Stacy Garrity, the Republican State Treasurer of Pennsylvania, has launched a campaign to challenge Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro’s potential reelection. Garrity, a veteran of the Army Reserve with three decades of service, released a video on social media criticizing Shapiro’s leadership. Her campaign emphasizes making Pennsylvania more appealing to businesses and young people.
Garrity’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race is expected to make the contest competitive. Though Shapiro has a strong fundraising ability and positive approval ratings, Garrity’s track record suggests she could be a formidable opponent. Her announcement video reassures voters of her commitment to addressing issues she attributes to Shapiro’s governance.
Despite spending less than $3 million on her state treasurer campaigns in 2020 and 2024, Garrity outperformed expectations. She managed to unseat Democratic incumbent Joe Torsella in 2020, even as Pennsylvania voted for Joe Biden. Her reelection campaign secured the highest number of votes ever recorded for a statewide candidate in Pennsylvania.
The Republican Party in Pennsylvania is likely to support Garrity, but she may face a challenging primary. State Senator Doug Mastriano, who lost to Shapiro by 15 percentage points in 2022, has hinted at another run. For now, Garrity remains the only declared Republican candidate for the 2026 race.
Former President Donald Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate in this crucial swing state. However, Garrity’s campaign video underscores her alignment with Trump’s policies and even features a photo of her with him. Her military service includes three deployments in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star twice.
Garrity describes herself as a lifelong underdog, succeeding against the odds in the military, business, and politics. Her campaign narrative is built around this theme of overcoming challenges. Meanwhile, Governor Shapiro is said to be considering a presidential run in 2028, although he hasn’t officially announced his reelection bid.
Garrity has criticized Shapiro for neglecting pressing issues in Pennsylvania while spending time fundraising in blue states. She also took aim at his handling of a sexual harassment scandal within his administration. The controversy led to the resignation of a top aide in 2023.
“To know just how much of a failure Josh Shapiro has been, all you need to do is look at the facts,” Garrity stated in her campaign video. Shapiro, when asked about Garrity’s gubernatorial ambitions, seemed unfazed. He dismissed the Republicans’ internal conflicts and emphasized his focus on job creation and education.
“The Republicans are going to deal with their intramural fight,” Shapiro said at a press conference. “I’m going to keep creating jobs here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” He stressed his commitment to bipartisan efforts to address the state’s needs.
Shapiro’s spokesperson directed inquiries to the governor’s recent remarks about Garrity’s potential candidacy. The governor has made it clear that his priorities lie in achieving tangible results for Pennsylvanians. He aims to bring together Republicans and Democrats to work on the state’s pressing issues.
As the 2026 gubernatorial race shapes up, both parties are gearing up for what promises to be a closely watched contest. Garrity’s campaign has injected a new level of excitement into Pennsylvania’s political landscape. Her message resonates with those who feel overlooked by the current administration.
The Daily Caller News Foundation, known for its independent and nonpartisan reporting, is closely monitoring developments in this race. With Garrity’s entry, Pennsylvania’s political scene is set for a significant shake-up. The contest is likely to draw national attention as both parties vie for control of this key state.
