DV Journal

Three Republican Pennsylvania row officers took their oaths of office Tuesday.

Attorney General David Sunday, who was elected in November, took his oath. Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Auditor General Tim DeFoor were sworn in for their second terms in separate ceremonies.

Sunday, the former York County district attorney, thanked his family, his former colleagues and those who helped him with his campaign. He promised to serve the commonwealth’s citizens with the same philosophy of teamwork that he had used throughout his working life, beginning in the Navy, at UPS, and then in the district attorney’s office.

The Attorney General’s Office works with individuals and organizations, “from police to district attorneys, to medical centers, and the behavioral health community, to crime victims and those returning home from incarceration, from organized labor to the business community and so many others,” Sunday said.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity

“My philosophy is rooted in two words: accountability and redemption. We absolutely must hold criminals accountable. At the same time, we need to embrace redemption for those who have been held accountable and seek to better their lives. Remember, 95 percent of everyone who enters prison will come back to society.”

“There is a power in employment…Magic happens when people work together,” he said. “There’s no substitute for an increased feeling of self-worth.”

“Citizens have the absolute right to demand that their government works to keep them safe from harm,” he said. But in addition to arresting those who commit violent crimes, complex challenges of mental illness and drug addiction are also large factors. “Access to behavioral health treatment is critical for community wellbeing. And as attorney general, I am committed to addressing this issue.”

As for the opioid crisis, he said, “We must work relentlessly to dismantle criminal organizations trafficking this poison, killing our children, while at the same time addressing the demand for these drugs by getting help for those suffering from addiction.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and former Gov. Tom Corbett (R) were both on hand and praised Sunday. Shapiro and Corbett were attorneys general before serving as governor.

At her ceremony, Garrity said, “Pennsylvania’s potential is unlimited. Our future will be even brighter than our past. And I can’t wait to lead Treasury in the bright days, months and years ahead.”

Auditor General Tim DeFoor

“It’s the start of a new year, the start of a new term for Pennsylvania’s three row officers, and the start of a new legislative session,” said Garrity. “We must put aside past disagreements, embrace this moment of opportunity, and find common ground. We cannot grow by division. We can – and will – grow by working together to make Pennsylvania a leader among states, and to make Pennsylvania a place where our next generation can succeed and prosper.”

Shapiro also offered kind words at the ceremonies for Garrity and DeFoor. And former Gov. Mark Schweiker (R) spoke at DeFoor’s event.

In his first term, DeFoor transformed and modernized the department through technology upgrades, piloting risk-based auditing processes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of audits, and creating job opportunities with the department through programs such as the ‘Intern to Hire’ initiative, according to a press release.

“My first term was about building a foundation—one rooted in transformation, accountability, continued improvement and service to the community,” DeFoor said. “We built a stronger workforce that relied on institutional knowledge while giving the next generation opportunities. This foundation is important because it will last long after my administration is over. It is something for future administrations to build on and improve upon.”

DeFoor has made financial literacy education a priority. He launched his ‘Be Money $mart’ initiative to help everyone understand essential financial principles.

The program’s motto: “It’s never too early – or too late – to learn how to be smart with your money.”

“As auditor general, I have seen firsthand how a lack of financial education and awareness can lead to an often-unintentional financial crisis hurting our communities. It became clear to me that financial literacy is an important foundation for every Pennsylvanian to have, starting with our youth from kindergarten through 12th grade,” DeFoor said. “We must ensure that financial literacy is taught in every school in Pennsylvania, starting as early as kindergarten.”

With 90 percent of the votes reported, it appears the Republican candidates have won their races for state treasurer, auditor general, and attorney general.

With Attorney General Michelle Henry not running, Democrat DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday wrestled for the top job. Sunday, the York County District Attorney touted his experience in law enforcement. DePasquale, formerly the auditor general, noted his skill in running a large state agency. He also noted he had run several investigations ferreting out fraud and abuse.

Sunday carried the day.

“I just called @DaveSunday_ to congratulate him on his victory as Attorney General. Dave worked hard and earned this victory. I also want to thank all of the people who supported our campaign. Your energy and passion will always be with me. Thank you!” DePasquale said on X. 

Incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity won a second term.

York District Attorney Dave Sunday

Garrity was challenged by Democrat Erin McClelland, who previously ran for Congress in Allegheny County. McClelland has a background in counseling and previously ran a counseling program. She worked for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, identifying and eliminating “systematic bias.”

Garrity sparred with McClelland over mistakes in McClelland’s campaign finance reports. McClelland attacked Garrity over investment choices for the state retirement programs. Garrity, however, noted she is one of many board members in charge of those accounts. Garrity also burnished her record of returning lost property to Pennsylvanians and improving a program to help the disabled save.

In a statement, Garrity thanked the people of Pennsylvania for reelecting her  and her supporters for their help.

“Over the past four years, we’ve worked together to safeguard taxpayer dollars, increase transparency in government spending, return almost $1 billion in unclaimed property, and expand programs that help Pennsylvanians save for college and retirement. We have made significant strides in holding Harrisburg accountable, but there’s more work to do. I’m committed to making every dollar count and ensuring that your hard-earned money is managed with the utmost responsibility.

“As we look to the future, I am excited to continue working for you. Together, we will build on our successes and tackle the challenges ahead. Thank you, Pennsylvania, for your trust and support. I am honored to serve as your State Treasurer for another term, and I am ready to continue the work of making our Commonwealth a place of opportunity and prosperity for all.

“On a personal note: the past month has been a difficult one,” Garrity added. “I have kept close to home as my father’s life came to a peaceful close. At 82 he put up a valiant battle against cancer and passed away early Monday morning. As someone wrote long ago: “Whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should.” Tomorrow, we all get back to the business of making our lives in this world a little better.”

Auditor General Timothy DeFoor started in the inspector general’s office, went to the Attorney General’s Office, then became Dauphin County controller before he was elected auditor general. He is the first African American elected to statewide office in Pennsylvania.

His challenger, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) beat Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley in the primary.

Kenyatta said he’s been involved in six state budgets, chairs the commerce committee, and serves on the banking, finance, and state government committees.

Auditor General Timothy DeFoor

DeFoor and Kenyatta tangled over multiple issues during the campaign with Kenyatta vowing to rebuild the Bureau of School Audits. He also promised to be a more labor-friendly Auditor General. Kenyatta also accused DeFoor of playing politics by putting out a misleading report on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) about a month before the election. That report suggested PBMs were overbilling the state government for Medicaid prescriptions.

DeFoor suggested Kenyatta was a career politician looking to advance to the next position. Kenyatta was a freshmen state legislator who overperformed in the 2022 U.S. Senate Democratic primary before losing to John Fetterman. He said he’d remain focused on the task at hand to make sure local pension plans are sound and make sure state money is handled correctly on the local level.