Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to elect their state treasurer on Nov. 5, with Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity facing off against Democrat Erin McClelland and third-party candidates. As one of the three elected row officers in the commonwealth, the state treasurer is responsible for managing state funds and can serve up to two four-year terms.
Garrity, a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, has an extensive military background, having served in multiple operations and received various awards for her service. Prior to becoming treasurer, she worked for a Pennsylvania-based company and ran for a congressional seat in 2019.
During her first term as treasurer, Garrity focused on transparency, returning unclaimed property, and reducing state spending. She oversaw the upgrade of the Treasury’s transparency portal and facilitated the return of $550 million in unclaimed property over four years. Garrity also made changes to the 529 college savings program and took action on foreign policy issues, divesting from Russian and Chinese-associated assets.
Although Garrity faced criticism for her connections with former President Donald Trump and controversial stances on issues outside her purview, she has received endorsements from various organizations, including the Pennsylvania Republican Party and law enforcement groups.
Looking ahead to her bid for a second term, Garrity has proposed expanding the PA ABLE savings program for people with disabilities and creating a state-run retirement savings program. Despite facing challenges from opponents and debates over her accomplishments on unclaimed property returns, Garrity remains committed to serving as treasurer and continuing her work to manage state funds effectively.
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