The Republican Party of Pennsylvania officially endorsed State Treasurer Stacy Garrity as the GOP candidate in the upcoming race for governor.
“Stacy Garrity represents the very best of Pennsylvania. She is a proven leader with a record of service, integrity, and results,” Pennsylvania Republican Chair Greg Rothman wrote in a statement released on Saturday, Sept. 20. “As State Treasurer, Stacy has fought to protect taxpayers, bring accountability to Harrisburg, and ensure fiscal responsibility. We are proud to endorse her campaign for Governor and we are confident she will lead Pennsylvania with the same dedication she has shown throughout her career in public service, the private sector, and the military.”
Garrity – Pennsylvania’s two-term elected state treasurer – also responded to the endorsement in a statement.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. This vote of confidence marks a pivotal moment in our campaign to restore strong, conservative leadership across the Commonwealth,” Garrity wrote. “With the support of our state party and Pennsylvania Republicans, we will continue building a strong, grassroots campaign dedicated to delivering real results: restoring fiscal responsibility, making our communities safer, and creating opportunities for hardworking Pennsylvanians. Together, we will fight to protect our values, defend our freedoms, and make Pennsylvania one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”
Garrity announced in August that she would seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro ’s reelection bid, setting up what could be a contest between a low-profile officeholder and a potential White House contender in 2028.
Garrity wrote in August that she would “bring jobs back, strengthen our economy and make Pennsylvania more affordable for families in every corner of the state.”
Pennsylvania’s 2026 gubernatorial election is set to take place on Nov. 3, 2026.
Prior to their official endorsement, some top Pennsylvania Republicans supported Garrity in the governor’s race and hoped she’d see a clear primary field, although those hopes were buffeted by 2022’s losing gubernatorial candidate, Doug Mastriano, suggesting that he’ll run again.
Garrity has hinted at a run for months and stepped up her criticism of Shapiro last month. In campaign fundraising appeals, she accused Shapiro of being soft on law and order and hostile to her “pro-worker, pro-energy, pro-America agenda.”
Shapiro has returned fire, blasting her for supporting President Donald Trump’s big tax break and spending cut package. Shapiro said it would hurt rural hospitals and people who rely on Medicaid, drive up the cost of energy and blow up the federal deficit.
Garrity’s task of challenging Shapiro is, by any measure, a tall one. Garrity is relatively untested and spent less than $3 million in her two campaigns for treasurer in 2020 and 2024.
Shapiro has won three statewide races, carries a reputation as a disciplined messenger and powerhouse fundraiser who spent more than $70 million alone in his sole campaign for governor, smashing Pennsylvania’s campaign finance record.
He’s grown into a national figure after he made Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ shortlist for vice presidential running mates last year and is viewed as a potential White House contender for the party in 2028.
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