Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro starts re-election year with record $30 million

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Jan 06, 2026, 21:55 IST
Josh Shapiro
Image credit : AP

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro enters 2026 with over $30 million in campaign funds, the largest ever for a gubernatorial candidate in the state. He is expected to face Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and is also supporting Democratic candidates in key House and state Senate races. High approval ratings and strong fundraising give Shapiro a major advantage.

Shapiro in strong position

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his campaign ended 2025 with more than $30 million on hand. He raised over $10 million in the final three months of the year and his total fundraising for 2025 exceeded $23 million. The campaign said this is the largest cash reserve ever reported for a Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate heading into an election year. Shapiro’s campaign said the fundraising gives him a strong advantage over opponents. It also allows him to support other Democratic candidates in competitive races across the state.



Shapiro vs Garrity

Shapiro is likely to face Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in the fall. Pennsylvania Republicans have mostly lined up behind Garrity to avoid a costly primary. Shapiro currently has high approval ratings. An October Quinnipiac University poll found that 60% of Pennsylvania voters approve of his job performance, and 58% view him favorably. The poll also showed Shapiro leading Garrity by 16 points.



Help with state races

Shapiro is also working to help Democrats in key House and state Senate races. These contests could determine whether he has a Democratic-controlled Legislature during his second term. Last year, Pennsylvania Democrats won several important elections, including special elections, judicial retention contests, and other down-ballot races.



FAQs

  1. How much money does Josh Shapiro have for his 2026 re-election campaign?
    He has over $30 million in campaign funds, the most ever for a Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate.
  2. Who is expected to be Shapiro’s Republican opponent?
    State Treasurer Stacy Garrity is likely to run against him in the fall election.
  3. How is Shapiro supporting other Democratic candidates?
    He is helping candidates in key House and state Senate races to boost Democratic control in Pennsylvania.
Tags:
  • Josh Shapiro
  • Pennsylvania governor
  • 2026 election
  • Stacy Garrity
  • campaign fundraising