Doug Mastriano Will Not Run for Governor in 2026
Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano has announced he will not pursue the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, taking a moment to critique the political landscape in a candid open letter.
Mastriano, representing Chambersburg, Gettysburg, and McSherrystown, gained visibility through leading protests against COVID-19 lockdowns initiated by then-Governor Tom Wolf. His actions often clashed with the policies enforced by former Attorney General Josh Shapiro and health officials.
The retired Army colonel, who served in the Gulf War, confirmed his decision to Fox News Digital late Wednesday, despite strong backing from conservative supporters. This opens the door for State Treasurer Stacey Garrity to enter the race.
“God is not calling us to run for governor this season,” he stated. “It could be 2028 or 2030. But right now, it’s not happening. That doesn’t mean we’re stepping back.”
In an “Open Letter to the People of Pennsylvania,” Mastriano criticized both Shapiro and dissenting voices within his party. He assured that his “Walk as a Freedman” initiative, which he launched during the lockdowns, will continue to thrive.
“Mr. Mastriano and his wife, Levy, remain steadfast in their commitment to bolstering the grassroots conservative movement in the state,” he mentioned.
“This movement has never been about a single individual or campaign,” he noted from Gettysburg. “It’s about faith, freedom, and the people of Pennsylvania.” Since the lockdown measures, Mastriano and fellow lawmakers have hosted numerous rallies across various locations, from Jerome to the Capitol steps in Harrisburg.
Supporters, often clad in “Walk Freed” or “Mastriano’s Legion” gear, have even organized picnics in communities resistant to lockdown measures.
Mastriano pointed out that, even though he lost to Shapiro in the 2022 election, Republican turnout reached a historic high, the most significant since 1962, and he managed to gather 29,000 ballot signatures.
His supporters believe that he could have been the first Republican gubernatorial candidate to win without party support in the primaries since Governor Dick Thornburgh, who later became President Reagan’s Attorney General.
In his open letter, Mastriano reflected on his challenge to Republican leadership, denouncing what he labeled as “backroom deals” and advocating for future candidates to gain voter support directly.
He was also critical of Shapiro’s governance, denouncing it as “a machine full of corruption and scandal,” allegedly backed by outsiders who don’t understand or respect Pennsylvania values.
“Josh Shapiro is not strong, serious, or fit to lead,” he expressed, alluding to rumors that Kamala Harris had distanced herself from Shapiro after selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
Mastriano mentioned that, although he isn’t planning to seek higher office right now, he remains devoted to his role in the Senate. He pointed out the success of his efforts, citing his influence in the election of Senator David McCormick and the re-election of President Trump.
A statement from Шapiro’s campaign highlighted a supposed “stalemate” with Garrity and accused her of being an election denier. The party’s statement also indirectly referenced Mastriano’s recent political decisions.
