Article Summary –
Republican Stacey Garrity seeks reelection as Pennsylvania State Treasurer against Democrat Erin McClelland. Garrity, a retired Army colonel, emphasizes returning unclaimed property and managing state savings. McClelland, a former congressional candidate, aims to depoliticize the role. Gov. Shapiro’s non-endorsement of the treasurer’s race adds intrigue.
Republican Stacey Garrity and Democrat Erin McClelland Compete to Lead Pennsylvania’s Treasury Department
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department collects state revenue from taxes and other sources before funding projects, paying employees, and settling vendor bills. The state treasurer, elected to manage these responsibilities, oversees over $150 billion in state funds, ensuring investment and withdrawal oversight.
Republican Stacey Garrity, elected in 2020, leads the Treasury’s efforts in financial empowerment for families, municipalities, and non-profits. Residents can track state spending through the Transparency Portal.
As she seeks reelection, Garrity faces Democrat Erin McClelland. Here’s a closer look at the candidates for state treasurer.
Stacey Garrity
A retired Army Reserve colonel and Iraq veteran, Garrity was VP at a tungsten smelting plant and narrowly defeated Democratic Treasurer Joe Torsella. She focuses on returning unclaimed property and managing savings programs for disabilities and students. Garrity has pushed for increased state rainy day fund savings.
Garrity has been controversial for comments on the 2020 presidential election results, though her campaign denies election denial accusations. Read more here.
Erin McClelland
McClelland, with a background in mental health, criticizes Garrity for national political involvement over state issues. “I want to eliminate politics from this role,” she said, emphasizing taxpayer protection over party allegiance.
Previously, McClelland was a project manager for Allegheny County Human Services and ran for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District, losing to Republican Keith Rothfus in 2014 and 2016.
Garrity’s campaign labels McClelland as inexperienced. Despite lacking a gubernatorial endorsement, Garrity’s well-funded campaign continues to gain momentum.
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Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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