Overview

• The state GOP committee voted overwhelmingly at its fall meeting in State College to back Garrity, giving her access to party resources months before Republicans choose a nominee on May 19, 2026.
• Party leaders said an early endorsement could help avoid a bruising primary, while state Sen. Doug Mastriano has signaled interest in running and warned the move could alienate the base but has not declared.
• In her remarks, Garrity cast Gov. Josh Shapiro as focused on higher office and accused him of straddling issues like emissions caps and school vouchers, saying she will run as an “authentic” candidate.
• Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale condemned the endorsement and accused Garrity of backing policies he says would cut health coverage, threaten rural hospitals and energy jobs, restrict abortion, and align with efforts to overturn the 2020 results.
• Garrity is a two-term, term-limited state treasurer and retired Army Reserve colonel, and if elected she would be the first woman to serve as Pennsylvania governor and the first with military experience since Tom Corbett.