The state treasurer will seek the Republican nomination to challenge Governor Shapiro.
Republican Stacy Garrity, serving her second term as state treasurer, announced on Monday that she will seek the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania governor.
Securing the party’s nomination will allow Garrity to face off against Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who is currently serving his first term in office.
Garrity issued a statement, saying she “will bring jobs back, strengthen our economy and make Pennsylvania more affordable for families in every corner of the state.”
A primary challenger against Garrity could surface in Doug Mastriano, who lost his bid for governor in 2022. He has recently suggested he will again seek the Republican nomination.
In her announcement, Garrity reinforced her support of President Trump and promised to “fix the problems Josh Shapiro has created,” including high taxes and grocery prices.
She also supported President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill in her announcement video. She said the bill requires “able-bodied recipients to work for their benefits and [ends] benefits for those here illegally.”
Governor Shapiro responded, criticizing Garrity for supporting Trump’s recent spending package, saying she desires to “seek Trump’s approval” rather than being a good advocate.
In Garrity’s two campaigns for state treasurer, she spent less than $3 million. In Governor Shapiro’s campaign for Pennsylvania governor, he spent more than $70 million.
Shapiro was on the list of potential running mates for presidential nominee Kamala Harris and is widely referred to as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028.
Garrity is originally from rural northern Pennsylvania. She is an accountant and a former executive for a powdered metals supplier in the Commonwealth.
Garrity was an Army reservist who retired as a colonel and served in Iraq. She ran the detention center at Camp Bucca as part of the 800th Military Police Brigade.
In 2020, Garrity was elected state treasurer for her first term and ousted the Democratic incumbent. She has been an outspoken supporter of President Trump, including at several of his rallies.
President Trump has not yet made an endorsement for a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor.
