Two prominent Republican figures in Pennsylvania, state Sen. Doug Mastriano and Treasurer Stacy Garrity, are expressing interest in the upcoming gubernatorial race, potentially setting a stage for a contentious election due to their strong anti-abortion views.
Mastriano and Garrity, though not officially in the race, have hinted at their intentions to challenge the current Democratic Governor, Josh Shapiro, in the next election cycle. Mastriano, who experienced a significant defeat in 2022, remarked, “Running for state office is not one and done. I have a strategy laid out if the time comes.”
The previous election saw Mastriano losing by a margin of nearly 15 points, a result attributed largely to his extreme stance on issues like abortion. During his campaign, he committed to implementing a six-week abortion ban and publicly identified as “the most pro-life guy out there” in a radio interview.
A poll conducted by the University of Maryland last year revealed a significant divide among Pennsylvania voters on abortion, with 53% of Republicans and 73% of Democrats opposing the criminalization of abortion. Furthermore, 69% of all Pennsylvanians supported a federal law safeguarding abortion rights.
This stark contrast in opinion has led to concerns within the Republican ranks about another Mastriano candidacy. Jim Worthington, a Republican donor from Bucks County, expressed his apprehension, stating, “Doug Mastriano would be a death sentence, for not only the governor’s race, but also would hurt us so bad in keeping the Congress,” in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Garrity, who has been serving as state treasurer since 2021, shares similar views. In a 2022 Facebook post, she hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as “a great day for the sanctity of life,” proclaiming that “justice has prevailed.”
Further amplifying her stance, Garrity shared a post with the phrase “Roses are red, violets are blue, defund Planned Parenthood” and subsequently sold campaign merchandise featuring that slogan, along with a cap that read “Baby Lives Matter.”
A KFF tracking poll highlighted that nearly one in three American women have accessed health services at Planned Parenthood at some point in their lives.
Garrity has also made her position clear by stating on Facebook that “Pennsylvania needs a PRO-LIFE governor.”
Moreover, Mastriano has indicated a willingness to collaborate with Garrity on a joint ticket, potentially running as a team for governor and lieutenant governor.
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