Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 61, a retired U.S. Army colonel and former corporate executive, will seek the Republican nomination to challenge Governor Josh Shapiro’s reelection in 2026.

Garrity said in a statement that she “will bring jobs back, strengthen our economy and make Pennsylvania more affordable for families in every corner of the state.”

Her campaign website states that she “has focused on cutting waste, eliminating taxpayer abuse, and bringing transparency to Pennsylvania’s government. She understands first-hand the challenges hardworking Pennsylvania families face, and she brings the same commonsense that people use to manage their own finances to the Treasurer’s office.”

Her campaign launch criticized Shapiro’s focus on national ambitions and the state’s budget impasse, promising to “fix the problems Josh Shapiro has created”.

In a video released today, she called herself a “strong ally” of President Donald Trump, which drew criticism from Shapiro, who said she supported Trump’s big tax break and spending cut package more because of “her desire to seek Trump’s approval than her desire to actually be a good advocate” for Pennsylvanians, The Associated Press reported.

Earlier today, CBS News released the video below about her campaign announcement:

In April, Garrity said she was “seriously considering” a run for governor. Other potential GOP candidates include Representative Dan Meuser, State Senator Scott Martin, and State Senator Doug Mastriano. Garrity was chosen as a frontrunner in the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference’s annual straw poll.

Her election would make her Pennsylvania’s first female governor.

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Photo: garrityforpa.com