GETTYSBURG – Pennsylvania State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) announced that he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2026 but emphasized that he and his wife Rebbie remain committed to leading and strengthening the grassroots conservative movement across the Commonwealth.
“This movement was never about one person or one campaign,” Mastriano said in a statement issued from Gettysburg. “It has always been about faith, freedom and the people of Pennsylvania.”
Mastriano, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by opposing lockdowns and mandates. He helped lead the “Walk as Free People” movement, drawing thousands to rallies and building a massive grassroots following. In November 2020 – he hosted the nation’s first voting integrity hearing, looking at the presidential election results. In 2022, he won the Republican nomination for governor setting records with:
Nearly 29,000 petition signatures — the largest in modern state GOP history
The highest Republican primary turnout since 1962
A 70,000-vote win in same-day, in-person voting
The largest contested Republican primary victory in Pennsylvania history
He lost to his Democratic challenger, current Gov. Josh Shapiro, by 790,000 votes or 14.78 percent. In his statement, Mastriano took aim at Shapiro, claiming his administration is “propped up by Hollywood elites and out-of-state billionaires.” He also criticized Shapiro’s social media presence and accused the media of failing to properly vet him.
He further challenged Republican Party leadership, rejecting what he described as “backroom deals” and “premature endorsements” and said future candidates must earn support directly from voters.
However, Pennsylvania Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity (R) released a statement in response to Mastriano’s decision. In the statement released on X, Garrity commended Mastriano’s decision and his “continued commitment to serving Pennsylvania.”
Garrity said the former Army colonel has been “a strong voice for faith, family and freedom, and I look forward to working with him to restore integrity, fiscal responsibility and common-sense leadership in our Commonwealth.” Garrity declared her candidacy on Aug. 18 and has received endorsements from Attorney General Dave Sunday and Auditor General Tim DeFoor.
Mastriano said he and his wife had spent time in prayer and fasting before concluding that he is not called to run in this election cycle.
“God has not called us to run for governor in this season,” he said. “Maybe 2028. Maybe 2030. But not now. That does not mean we are stepping away.”
Mastriano pledged to continue mobilizing and mentoring grassroots leaders, encouraging civic engagement at the local level, and supporting candidates aligned with conservative values.
“We are calling on every citizen to stay active, reconnect with the grassroots family, and lead in their towns, churches and counties,” he said.
He said “We are free people. And we walk forward — in faith, not fear.”
Incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro also announced on Jan. 8 that he would seek a second term. So far, he’s the only Democrat in that race.
