The gloves are off in the 2026 race for Pennsylvania governor.
Stacy Garrity, the Pennsylvania state treasurer and a Republican candidate for governor, slammed Gov. Josh Shapiro’s speech about political violence at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit.
Garrity faulted Shapiro for largely ignoring the case of Charlie Kirk, a well-known Republican activist who was assassinated while speaking at a college in Utah, in his speech.
“Josh Shapiro had a chance to honor Charlie and his legacy. Instead, he made it about himself,” said Garrity. “This assassination is a moment for Americans to come together and honor Charlie’s deep devotion to the founding values of our nation: freedom of speech and the free exchange of ideas. It’s not another opportunity for Shapiro to play politics and polish his image.”
Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA, leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two young children. Prosecutors charged his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, with aggravated murder and other offenses. They are seeking the death penalty.
Garrity also questioned Shapiro’s swipe at President Donald Trump.
“Charlie Kirk was a patriot who inspired and will continue to inspire millions of young Americans. Pennsylvanians deserve to hear their governor recognize Charlie’s contributions and condemn political violence without making it about Josh Shapiro,” Garrity continued. “Instead of standing with President Trump to make our communities safer, Shapiro chose to attack him for being tough on crime. That tells you everything you need to know about where his priorities are.”
Guy Ciarrocchi, a Republican commentator and Chester County resident, also panned Shapiro’s speech.
“Gov. Shapiro failed us—failed bipartisanship — again. For the third time in prepared remarks, Shapiro couldn’t even just pay his respects to Charlie Kirk and his family, and condemn political violence. Sadly, he decided to attack President Trump and his supporters,” said Ciarrocchi. “Is decency too much to ask for from a career politician?”
But Democratic consultant Brittany Crampsie defended the governor.
“Gov. Shapiro took a very clear, powerful stand in his speech about political violence. He called for all of us to join together, to be better, and Stacy Garrity sent a cheap partisan press release. Our choice next year is very clear,” said Crampsie.
Garrity also mentioned the arson attack against Shapiro this past April.
“Earlier this year, Gov. Shapiro’s own home was targeted in a shocking arson attack by a pro-Hamas terrorist. This deeply antisemitic attack against the governor was wrong and unacceptable, and it rightly drew bipartisan condemnation. But having lived through that experience, Shapiro should know better than anyone that acts of political violence aren’t about photo ops for politicians. They’re about the victim and their family that is left to grieve. That’s why it’s so troubling that he chose to make Charlie’s assassination about himself instead of honoring his legacy.”