Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won a second term Tuesday, defeating Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity in a race that focused on Pennsylvania’s economy, energy policy and the direction of state government.
The Associated Press called the race for Shapiro shortly after polls closed. With 5% of votes counted, early returns showed Shapiro leading Garrity 83% to 15%.
Garrity told supporters at Stone Hedge Country Club in Tunkhannock that she had called Shapiro to congratulate him. She thanked her family, campaign staff and supporters and wished Shapiro success in his second term.
In the final stretch of the campaign, Garrity and her running mate, Pittsburgh attorney Jason Richey, toured the state to promote their “Turn PA Around” agenda. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a 29-county bus tour to support Democratic candidates.
Early results indicated Democrats were on track to control both chambers of the General Assembly. In a social media post early Wednesday, Shapiro pointed to the apparent Democratic gains in the state Senate and listed raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive rights in state law and investing in mass transit as priorities.
