Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano announced Wednesday that he will not seek the 2026 Republican nomination for Pennsylvania governor, ending months of speculation about a potential rematch with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Mastriano, who represents Franklin and Adams counties, shared his decision during a Facebook Live broadcast. His announcement is widely seen as clearing the way for state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who has already secured an endorsement from the Pennsylvania Republican Party, to pursue the GOP nomination without significant opposition.
In explaining his choice, Mastriano indicated that he and his family concluded that another gubernatorial campaign was not the right step at this time, while emphasizing that he plans to remain active in conservative political efforts. The decision drew visible reactions from supporters following the broadcast, with some expressing disappointment that he would not run again.
Garrity, who has been positioning herself for a gubernatorial bid since last year, is now expected to face a relatively clear primary field. Her early endorsement by the Pennsylvania GOP had prompted calls from Mastriano for party leaders to allow him additional time to decide on a campaign, but his announcement effectively removes that uncertainty. Garrity has indicated she respects Mastriano’s decision and intends to continue working with him in state government.
Mastriano, a retired military officer, first entered public office after winning a special election to the state Senate in 2019. He rose quickly within Republican ranks and captured the party’s 2022 gubernatorial nomination from a crowded field, aided by strong support from conservative voters and a late endorsement from Donald Trump. His general election campaign, however, faced sustained criticism from Democrats over his efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election and his firm opposition to abortion, issues that became more prominent after the U.S. Supreme Court returned abortion policy authority to the states.
Shapiro ultimately defeated Mastriano by a wide margin in 2022 and is expected to formally launch his reelection campaign this week.
Source: WGAL