Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wins second term over Republican Stacy Garrity
The Democrat, seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, beat the Republican state treasurer by a wide margin, while control of the state legislature was still undecided.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, won a second term on Tuesday, defeating Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity. The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed. Early returns put Shapiro far ahead, and polls had shown him leading by double digits for months.
He also far outraised Garrity, who had Trump's endorsement. Trump urged Pennsylvanians to vote for her and called Shapiro "radical, reckless and dangerous." Shapiro tied Garrity to Trump's agenda and said the governor's office does not need "a rubber stamp for Donald Trump."
Shapiro is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. He has not committed to serving out his term. In the closing weeks of the race, he set up a federal called New Path PAC.
His campaign said the aim was to help congressional candidates in Pennsylvania. He also put more than $10 million into electing Democrats down the ballot. Control of the state legislature was not yet known.
A Democratic win in both chambers would give the party a state government trifecta, which it has not had in over three decades. Shapiro has said that outcome would let him push a minimum wage of at least $15 an hour and other priorities.
- over $10 million Shapiro's investment in down-ballot Democrats, per his campaign — The Center Square
- 83% to 15% Shapiro's early lead with under 5% of votes counted, as of 8:08 p.m. — The Center Square
- $19.8 million Shapiro's cash on hand in September, versus Garrity's $1.3 million, per City and State Pennsylvania — Breitbart News
- more than $6 million given to Garrity by the skill games industry late in the race — The Philadelphia Inquirer
Three sides of the story
Liberal3 outlets
Shapiro's easy win as a springboard to 2028
The Philadelphia Inquirer says Shapiro "cruised to reelection" over Garrity in a decisive victory that strengthens "the Democrat’s prospects for a 2028 presidential run." Its headline adds "Now the real campaign begins," and the piece centers on whether Democrats win the state and the four congressional seats he put $10 million behind. It says Garrity struggled to win over Republican donors and could not buy TV ads for months.
It cites an Inquirer/New York Times/Siena poll in which a quarter of voters did not know enough about her to form an opinion. NBC News projects an easy Shapiro win and calls it a "springboard" into a potential White House bid, noting his new federal PAC, New Path PAC, and the exchange over data centers. Both note that voters are divided on whether he should run for president.
PBS NewsHour carries a video of his victory speech and notes he is considered a potential 2028 contender after two terms as .
Center1 outlet
A projected, expected Shapiro win
The Hill reports that Decision Desk HQ projects Shapiro will win a second term in Pennsylvania, a major . The outlet says the result is no surprise, since Shapiro was favored to win easily against state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican.
Conservative2 outlets
Shapiro's expected win, polls, money and Trump's attacks
The Center Square reports that Shapiro won a second term over Garrity and had long been viewed as the favorite. It lays out his promises if Democrats win the legislature and Garrity's pitch on drilling, electric bills and property taxes, including her line, "More government, more spending, more regulations, more mandates." It quotes Shapiro's criticism of Trump and Trump's praise of Garrity.
Breitbart News leads with the win, then gives early returns and October polls showing leads of 23 to 30 points, with Shapiro far ahead in cash. It quotes Trump calling Shapiro "Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous!" and notes Shapiro dodged 2028 questions on Face the Nation, saying he is focused on Pennsylvania.
- The Center Square: Shapiro secures second term as governor
- Breitbart News: Democrat Josh Shapiro Wins Second Term as Pennsylvania Governor
Which side made the stronger case?
All sources: 7 articles from 6 outlets
Liberal (3)
- NBC News: Gov. Josh Shapiro sails to a second term in battleground Pennsylvania
- PBS NewsHour: WATCH: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks after winning reelection
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: Gov. Josh Shapiro cruised to reelection in Pennsylvania. Now the real campaign begins.
Center (1)
Conservative (3)
- Breitbart News: Democrat Josh Shapiro Wins Second Term as Pennsylvania Governor
- The Center Square: In early defeat, Garrity says ‘Pennsylvania’s best days are ahead of us’
- The Center Square: Shapiro secures second term as governor
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