Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity made it official on Monday morning. She is a candidate for governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In one of Harrisburg’s worst-kept secrets, Garrity finally confirmed what Pennsylvania Republicans have hoped for – a strong candidate to compete against Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro.

She said in a statement that she “will bring jobs back, strengthen our economy and make Pennsylvania more affordable for families in every corner of the state.”

In the video released Monday, she called herself a “strong ally” of President Donald Trump, highlighted her military service and vowed to “fix the problems Josh Shapiro has created.” That, she said, includes Pennsylvania’s relatively high tax burden and rising grocery prices.

Garrity, 61, may also face a challenger in the GOP primary, as state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) is considering another run at the state’s highest office. Mastriano was defeated by Shapiro in the 2022 general election by 15 percentage points.

Shapiro, 52, who spent more than $70 million during that ’22 run to the governor’s mansion, has become a national figure who was on former VP Kamala Harris’ short-list for vice president during her 2024 presidential campaign. The former state Attorney General is considered a potential contender for the White House in 2028.

Garrity is an attractive candidate who received the most votes of any statewide candidate in state history in winning reelection to the Treasurer’s position last year. She also has made a name for herself by returning millions in unclaimed property to state residents, as well as serving in the U.S. Army Reserves until her retirement as a colonel.

Pennsylvania will once again be a focal point of the nation in the 2026 midterms, as Republicans strive to keep their slim majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, including four seats alone in the Commonwealth held by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01), Ryan Mackenzie (R-07), Rob Bresnahan (R-08), and Scott Perry (R-10).