Spotlight PA: Shapiro wins; Garrity concedes race
Republican Stacy Garrity, the state’s treasurer, spoke to supporters gathered for a results watch party at a golf course in Wyoming County at 8:50 p.m. — nearly an hour after the Associated Press called her race for Gov. Josh Shapiro.
She said she called Shapiro and congratulated him on his “hard-fought victory,” according to Spotlight PA.
“While today's results are not what any of us had hoped, I stand before you tonight with a heart full of gratitude and thanks,” Garrity said on stage, flanked by her husband, sister, mother and running mate Jason Richey.
Garrity said her one goal in running for governor was to turn “our commonwealth around.”
She noted that she traveled to all 67 counties over her 15-month campaign, where she heard from voters about their concerns over data center developments, property taxes, and utility and grocery bills rising.
Garrity thanked members of her campaign by name. Among those who received the kindest words was Bob Asher, one of Garrity’s largest donors and chair of her campaign.
“In politics, you learn very quickly that not everyone follows through on the promises they make,” Garrity said. “But guess what? Bob Asher isn't everyone.”
“I know Pennsylvania can lead the nation again, but as I've said in nearly every single speech that I gave on the campaign trail, leadership matters, accountability matters, and putting Pennsylvania families first matters,” Garrity said.
The results do not change that, Garrity added.
“Tonight, I wish the governor and his team my sincere best, as we all should, you guys,” Garrity said, “because his success is our success.”
She did issue some words for Shapiro, perhaps alluding to his alleged White House ambitions: “It is my hope that the campaign we've run, the issues we've addressed, and the solutions that we presented are a reminder to him that Pennsylvania just doesn't deserve but needs a full-time chief executive.”
Garrity did not take questions from reporters.
