Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity appeared poised to coast through the upcoming primary election for governor without a listed opponent. However, a growing grassroots movement, offering the nod to state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin-Adams) could complicate her path.
Supporters of Mastriano say the support the senator had in his last gubernatorial bid against Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Democrat seeking re-election, has not diminished.
They are organizing a write-in campaign urging GOP voters to add his name to the May 19 primary ballot. Mastriano, previously stepped aside to let other candidates emerge.
According to the campaign’s website, enthusiasm for Mastriano’s leadership “has never been stronger,” suggesting continuing political energy among his base despite his absence from the official ballot. Garrity said she is not concerned about the write-in effort, noting she already has the endorsement of the state party and President Donald Trump, who recently hosted her at Mar-a-Lago.
The Mastriano petition organizers said the early endorsement of Garrity deprived Pennsylvania GOP voters with a true party primary. While Mastriano has not commented about his potential candidacy, he said he agrees with the sentiments of the petitioners.
