Garrity continues campaign tour at Allison Park stop
ALLISON PARK — Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity brought her campaign for governor to Allegheny County on Tuesday night, Sept. 23, holding one of her first events since formally announcing her bid for the state’s highest office in August.
The Republican candidate continued her “Help Is On The Way” tour at Cadence Clubhouse in front of a crowd of more than 100 supporters and donors. The stop at the local eatery was part of a week-long series of rallies running from Monday to Saturday across the commonwealth.
Garrity led off her comments by claiming Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is expected to announce a run for a second term in the coming months, is too caught up in a potential run for President in 2028.
“While he’s chasing cameras in any state that isn’t Pennsylvania, we’re left behind to clean up the mess,” she said. “For Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania is a stepping stone. For us, Pennsylvania is our home. And that’s why I’m here tonight — to tell you what I’ve been saying since I announced my campaign — help is on the way.”
The 61-year-old Bradford County native also drew strong reactions from the packed house while discussing certain issues she claims Shapiro is failing to address.
One of the areas of focus was on energy. She said the governor has “failed to tap into the God given resources under our feet,” adding that she would take a far different approach to energy production.
“Shapiro plays politics — pretending to be a champion of energy one day and promoting higher energy costs the next,” she said. “No one can pay their electric bill on empty promises. When I am governor, I will unleash Pennsylvania energy responsibly because powering our comeback means powering our homes, our businesses and our economy.”
Garrity also vowed to be a champion for public safety.
“Families deserve real action,” Garrity said. “And that means backing law enforcement, holding violent criminals accountable and making sure that addicts get access to treatment that actually works. And that’s how we make our streets safe again. I will be a partner with President Trump and not a roadblock to make sure our streets are safe.”
Garrity is seeking to become Pennsylvania’s first female governor. She has the backing of state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, who attended the rally to show her support.
“I just think right now, with what we’re seeing around the world, our country and especially our commonwealth, I think we need a strong woman in there — a strong voice of reason to get to work and to right this ship in the commonwealth,” Mustello said. “Stacy is the right person for the job.”
Garrity, a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel who served three tours of duty overseas in the Gulf and Iraq Wars, is the first Republican to formally launch a challenge against Shapiro. She was officially endorsed by the Pennsylvania Republican Party on Saturday and previously received an endorsement from President Trump in her run for state treasurer.
The Allison Park event was the second day of Garrity’s tour.
