Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a decorated combat veteran and businesswoman, announced Monday she is entering the 2026 governor’s race, setting up a potential showdown with Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro.
In her campaign launch video, Garrity pledged to restore “integrity, fiscal discipline, and opportunity” to the commonwealth, while casting Shapiro as a failed leader more focused on national ambitions than Pennsylvania families.
“When I enlisted to serve in the military, I took a solemn oath to defend our country and honor her principles,” Garrity said. “Today, I’m announcing that I am running to become Pennsylvania’s next governor. And I’m giving you and your family my solemn oath that I will work hard every day to fix the problems Josh Shapiro created.”
She accused Shapiro of presiding over poor economic, education, and infrastructure outcomes, pointing to rankings that place Pennsylvania near the bottom nationally. Garrity also promised to avoid what she called Shapiro’s “scandals, unconscionable behavior, deleted emails, and coverups.”
Republican strategist Guy Ciarrocchi framed the race as a stark choice. “Someone who says he ‘gets stuff done’ versus someone who actually helps veterans, families, and taxpayers,” he said.
Shapiro, who is seeking a second term, has built his political brand around competence and pragmatism. He was briefly floated as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris earlier last summer, underscoring his rising national profile.
Garrity is serving her second term as state treasurer, where she has overseen the return of more than $1 billion in unclaimed property to Pennsylvanians and expanded the PA ABLE program, helping residents with disabilities save nearly $200 million. She has emphasized ethics and transparency during her tenure.
Before entering politics, Garrity spent more than 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of colonel. She deployed three times to the Middle East, serving in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Her military honors include the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars.
While overseeing Camp Bucca, a U.S. military detention facility in Iraq, prisoners nicknamed her the “Angel of the Desert” for her fair treatment of detainees.
Born and raised in Bradford County, Garrity still lives near her hometown. She remains active in veterans’ causes, charities, and community events, highlighting her ties to small-town and rural Pennsylvania.
Her campaign positioned her as a strong ally of former President Donald Trump and pledged support for his agenda to protect Social Security, Medicare, and benefits for vulnerable Americans.
If she secures the Republican nomination, Garrity will likely face Shapiro in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races of the 2026 cycle.
A reporter in Luzerne County asked Shapiro about Garrity’s nascent campaign.
“I mean, look, the Republicans are going to deal with their intramural fight. I’m not going to get into their parlor games,” Shapiro said. “You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to keep creating jobs here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I’m going to fund our kids’ schools. I’m going to make sure that we have more cops on the beat, and I’m going to focus on doing my job of bringing Republicans and Democrats together to get stuff done. That’s my focus. They can focus on their political games all they want.”
“This is exciting news for Pennsylvania and for our Republican Party,” said Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Greg Rothman on X. “Treasurer Garrity has always answered the call to serve. She defended our nation in combat, built a successful business, and has been a strong voice for families across the commonwealth as treasurer. In 2024, more Pennsylvanians voted for her than for any candidate in our history. I look forward to seeing her campaign unfold and to the important conversations it will spark about the future of our state and the need for a better direction than what Democrats have offered.”
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin), who last to Shapiro by a wide marge in 2022, called on the state GOP not to “trust the people” and not endorse a candidate early in the process. Mastriano has not ruled out another run for governor. But some party insiders say they expect the Pennsylvania GOP to endorse a candidate as early as next month.
“An early endorsement by party bosses would silence the voices of grassroots Republicans across the commonwealth and undermine the democratic process,” Mastriano told DVJournal. “In 2022, our movement made history by submitting over 29,000 signatures to get on the ballot—more than any Republican candidate in state history. We went on to earn the highest number of votes for a Republican gubernatorial candidate since 1962, fueled not by political machines, but by everyday Pennsylvanians who believe in our cause.
“Our campaign has built the largest grassroots movement Pennsylvania has ever seen, with supporters from every county and community ready to stand up for freedom, faith, and the future of our commonwealth.
“No backroom deal or early coronation can match the strength of the people’s voice. I welcome a fair primary where Republican voters—not political insiders—choose their nominee. That is how we win in November, and that is how we restore trust in our party and government,” said Mastriano.
“While Josh Shapiro is focused on elevating his national profile, Pennsylvania is falling behind. Under Josh Shapiro’s failed leadership Pennsylvania is at the bottom when it comes to the economy, education, and infrastructure, and it’s Pennsylvanians who are paying the price,” said Courtney Alexander, communications director for the Republican Governors Association.
Garrity said, “Over the coming months, I hope to get to know you and your family better and share all my ideas of how we can make Pennsylvania more affordable, bring more jobs here so our young adults have more opportunities to stay here, and how we can bring integrity and honesty to the governor’s office,” said Garrity. “In other words, I’m not just going to ask for your support, I’m going to put in the time to earn it. I hope you will give me that chance.”