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EXCLUSIVE: Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has officially announced her candidacy for governor under the Republican banner. This declaration sets the stage for a potentially intense competition against incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in the 2026 elections.
In an exclusive discussion with Fox News Digital prior to her campaign launch, Garrity stated that she is running against Shapiro due to what she describes as his failures on key issues affecting Pennsylvania, such as energy production, education, and job creation. She emphasized the critical role of the state’s abundant oil and gas resources in revitalizing its economy.
At 61 years old, Garrity expressed a strong desire for a transformative vision for the Commonwealth. She articulated, “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.”
Consistent with her energy-focused platform, Garrity aligns her stance with notable figures like President Donald Trump and Senator Dave McCormick. Both have advocated for unleashing American energy resources, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania, ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Garrity remarked on the vast potential for economic growth stemming from Pennsylvania’s natural gas reserves, referring to it as a source of billions of dollars in opportunities.
As a swing state, Pennsylvania experienced a significant electoral shift in the 2024 elections, witnessing Trump’s victory at the top of the ticket and McCormick’s successful campaign against former long-serving Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat.
According to Garrity, the sentiments of Pennsylvania voters were loud and clear during the recent election cycle.
Pennsylvanians are looking for greater financial relief and advocate for less government interference in their lives, she explained. The state treasurer, who commits to visiting all 67 counties annually, stated, “People want more money in our pockets and less of the government’s hands in our pockets,” reflecting her constituents’ desires.
Further outlining her campaign agenda, Garrity highlighted the demand for school choice, safe communities, and policies that ensure fairness in women’s sports, specifically addressing the debate around transgender athletes. She criticized Shapiro for his position on these matters, insisting that he is playing political games at the expense of student welfare.
In response to recent criticisms from Shapiro regarding proposed legislation aimed at restricting transgender participation in women’s sports, Garrity contended, “He’s with radical liberals that are pushing a political agenda. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not fairness, and it’s not leadership.” She stressed that this represents a betrayal of common sense and adversely affects the integrity of women’s athletics.
Garrity also scrutinized Shapiro for what she deemed inconsistency regarding school choice and for not meeting the budgetary needs of the state. Notably, Shapiro has faced criticism for failing to meet the legislative deadline to pass Pennsylvania’s budget this year, a significant issue in a politically divided state.
The Democratic governor garnered nationwide attention in the previous year when he emerged as a potential running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris after the suspension of Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.
In her candid assessment of her prospects, Garrity conceded, “I’m not as well polished as Josh Shapiro. I’m definitely not as good of a politician as he is, and he’s an effective fundraiser. This is going to be a tough race.” Nonetheless, she asserted her commitment to hard work and determination, stating, “I am a really tough worker.”
Garrity is no stranger to overcoming odds. In her first race for state treasurer, she successfully unseated a well-liked incumbent, and during her re-election, she garnered more votes than any statewide candidate in Pennsylvania’s history, including Josh Shapiro.
“I have been an underdog my whole life, in the army, in business, and in politics, and that’s why I’ve been able to succeed when the odds are stacked against me,” Garrity reflected.
Although state treasurer marks her initial foray into public office, Garrity has a history of public service, notably a 30-year tenure in the Army Reserves, during which she was deployed three times to the Middle East. She also spent time in the private sector, ascending to a vice-presidential position at Global Tungsten & Powders.
Currently serving as state treasurer, Garrity sees each day as an opportunity to serve her constituents. “Every day that I get to wake up and serve hardworking Pennsylvanians is truly a blessing,” she stated.
For several months, Garrity has hinted at her gubernatorial aspirations. The field of potential candidates gained clarity when fellow Trump ally, Representative Dan Meuser, announced his decision not to pursue the gubernatorial title, facilitating Garrity’s announcement on Monday morning.
Pennsylvania’s primary is slated for May 19, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026. As the political landscape shifts, eyes will be keenly fixed on this evolving race.
