Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro suggested that Democrats are struggling because in recent years they have failed to follow through on making people's everyday lives measurably better.
The general election showdown for governor in the crucial northeastern battleground of Pennsylvania is set between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
Neither Shapiro nor Garrity faced any opponents as they cruised to the Democratic and GOP gubernatorial nominations in Tuesday's primary.
Shapiro, who is viewed as a likely contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, has kept his eye on his 2026 re-election, which is the top-of-the-ballot race in a state that is holding a handful of crucial congressional races that may decide if the Democrats win back control of the U.S. House.
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Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, seen at a presidential campaign rally for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 6, 2024, is running for re-election this year. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
In a primary night speech to supporters, Shapiro said that in "these divisive times, and with a politically divided Legislature….we’ve shown that we can get stuff done and do it in a way that shows respect to all Pennsylvanians — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to or choose not to pray to."
Shapiro highlighted that during his tenure he's increased investment in public education by 30% and increased the number of teachers in the state, "saved the people of Pennsylvania hundreds of millions of dollars on their energy bills" by taking on the utility companies, and showcased that nearly 23,000 new jobs have been created.
But Garrity, in a statement, took aim at a governor who touts that he "gets sh-t done."
"Today, Pennsylvania ranks 38th in the nation economically, 39th in education, and 41st overall under Josh Shapiro’s failed administration," Garrity said in a statement.
Garrity charged that "nearly 70% of our 8th graders can’t read at grade level, thousands of Pennsylvania families are heading for the border to find opportunity in other states around the nation, and Harrisburg is now spending roughly $5 billion more than the state brings in. All of these failures fall at the feet of Josh Shapiro, and the buck stops with him."
Shapiro, in his speech, tied Garrity to President Donald Trump, who has endorsed her.
"We cannot afford to give Trump a rubber stamp in the Governor’s Office – and that’s exactly what we’re up against," the governor claimed. "My opponent is running on her complete and total allegiance to Donald Trump – because she’s more focused on serving him than fighting for you. She proudly wears her MAGA hat, while I wear the Pennsylvania jersey."
Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has been endorsed by President Donald Trump as she runs for governor in 2026. (Garrity campaign)
Even though neither Shapiro nor Garrity faced opposition in the primary, were busy on the campaign trail.
Garrity has been crisscrossing the state to raise her profile among voters and to boost running mate Jason Ritchey, who is facing a primary challenge for lieutenant governor.
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Shapiro, who's already a household name in the Keystone State, has also been on the campaign trail, helping congressional candidates he's endorsed in competitive Democratic congressional primaries.
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."
Source: Fox News - Politics
