Stacy Garrity Challenges Shapiro in 2026 Pennsylvania Race

Stacy Garrity Announces Run for Governor in 2026

Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania’s two-term state treasurer, has declared her intention to seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in the 2026 election. This announcement sets up a potential contest between a relatively low-profile officeholder and a candidate who could emerge as a national figure in the 2028 presidential race.

Garrity has been hinting at a gubernatorial bid for months, intensifying her criticisms of Shapiro. In recent campaign fundraising appeals, she accused Shapiro of being weak on law and order and opposing her "pro-worker, pro-energy, pro-America agenda." In a video released Monday, Garrity referred to herself as a "strong ally" of former President Donald Trump, highlighted her military service, and vowed to "fix the problems Josh Shapiro has created." She specifically pointed to Pennsylvania's high tax burden and rising grocery prices as issues that need addressing.

Shapiro has responded by criticizing Garrity for supporting Trump’s tax cut and spending package. He suggested that her support was motivated by a desire to gain Trump’s approval and warned that the bill would hurt rural hospitals, Medicaid recipients, and increase energy costs while exacerbating the federal deficit. In her video, Garrity defended the bill as requiring able-bodied recipients to work for benefits and ending benefits for those who are in the country illegally. However, Trump has not yet made an endorsement in the race.

Key Points from the Campaign

In a statement, Garrity emphasized that she will bring jobs back to Pennsylvania, strengthen the economy, and make the state more affordable for families across the state. Some top Pennsylvania Republicans support her candidacy and hope she will face a clear primary field. However, these hopes have been challenged by the possibility of Doug Mastriano, the 2022 losing gubernatorial candidate, running again.

When asked about Garrity, Shapiro stated he will continue focusing on creating jobs, funding schools, keeping police officers on the beat, and bringing together Republicans and Democrats. He also noted that Republicans can focus on their political games if they choose.

Challenges Ahead

Garrity’s task of challenging Shapiro is formidable. She is relatively untested and spent less than $3 million in her two campaigns for treasurer in 2020 and 2024. Shapiro, on the other hand, has won three statewide races and is known for his disciplined messaging and fundraising prowess. He spent over $70 million in his single campaign for governor, setting a new Pennsylvania campaign finance record.

Shapiro has grown into a national figure after being considered for vice president on Kamala Harris’ shortlist last year. He is seen as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028. For Republicans, the stakes go beyond just defeating Shapiro; they need a credible candidate to help mobilize enough voters to defend their congressional seats and maintain their majority in the U.S. House.

Background on the Candidates

Shapiro, 52, has a strong base of support in Philadelphia’s heavily populated suburbs. Garrity, 61, comes from rural northern Pennsylvania and entered politics later in life. A trained accountant, she was a longtime executive for a powdered metals supplier in northern Pennsylvania. She also served as an Army reservist, retiring as a colonel and serving in Iraq, where she managed the detention center at Camp Bucca as part of the 800th Military Police Brigade.

Since her 2020 upset victory over the incumbent Democratic treasurer, Garrity has been an active campaigner, speaking at numerous Trump rallies. In 2022, she was one of the GOP’s most visible surrogates for Mastriano. Shapiro won his 2022 contest by nearly 15 percentage points, a result Republicans would prefer to forget.

Despite their political differences, Garrity and Shapiro have maintained a professional working relationship, avoiding partisan conflicts over official matters. Shapiro even gave Garrity a warm and personal introduction in January before she was sworn in for her second term as treasurer.

Financial and Policy Considerations

During her time as treasurer, Pennsylvania has experienced significant surpluses due to federal COVID-19 aid and inflation-driven tax collections. However, the state is reverting to its status as a perennial deficit state, and Garrity has warned that Shapiro’s continued leadership could lead to tax increases for residents.

As treasurer, Garrity retained several top Democratic staffers, expanded the ways the department can return unclaimed property, and increased investments in Israel bonds. These actions reflect her approach to governance, which combines fiscal responsibility with a focus on transparency and accountability.