State Senator Doug Mastriano is considering another run for Pennsylvania governor in 2026, setting up a potential rematch with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro. Mastriano believes he can win this time by embracing mail-in voting, something he neglected in his failed 2022 run. He also points to his growing support in the Republican establishment.
Top Republicans in Pennsylvania, including U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser and Treasurer Stacy Garrity, are also considering runs for governor in 2026. Mastriano has learned lessons from the 2024 election, particularly the importance of mail voting, which he believes was a key factor in Shapiro’s victory.
Despite facing opposition within his own party, Mastriano remains confident about his potential candidacy. He has built goodwill with key Republican figures and believes he can secure their support after the primary. His strong grassroots following, based on his resistance to business shutdowns and promotion of Trump’s false election claims, further fuels his confidence.
Mastriano’s far-right views, ties to Christian nationalism, and support for controversial legislation like banning transgender women from sports and access to invermectin may be polarizing for some voters. However, he remains a staunch Trump supporter, believing his candidacy reflects Pennsylvania’s excitement for the former president’s policies.
In the 2022 primary, Mastriano faced a crowded GOP field but managed to secure a significant portion of the vote. Democrats saw him as an easier opponent in the general election, which proved true as Shapiro secured a comfortable victory. Mastriano is now focused on correcting his past mistakes and building a stronger campaign for 2026.
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