Who's Running for Governor in Pennsylvania?

Who's Running for Governor in Pennsylvania?

With the 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election approaching, candidates from both major parties are vying for the opportunity to lead the state. The current governor, Tom Wolf, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election, leaving the seat open for a new contender. The race is expected to be competitive, with several well-qualified candidates hoping to succeed Wolf.

The Democratic Party primary features two prominent contenders: Attorney General Josh Shapiro and State Senator Sharif Street. Shapiro, a former state representative, is considered the frontrunner due to his high name recognition and fundraising advantage. Street, a progressive Democrat, has gained support among some voters for his focus on social justice issues. On the Republican side, a crowded field of candidates are vying for the nomination, including former U.S. Attorney William McSwain, former Delaware County Councilman Dave White, and State Senator Doug Mastriano. Mastriano, a self-described "America First" conservative, has gained attention for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump and his opposition to COVID-19 restrictions.

As the race continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see how the candidates position themselves on key issues such as education, healthcare, and the economy. With the state facing a number of challenges, voters will be looking for candidates who can offer real solutions and lead Pennsylvania into the future.

who is running for governor in pa

Competitive race with several candidates.

  • Democratic primary: Josh Shapiro vs. Sharif Street
  • Republican primary: William McSwain, Dave White, Doug Mastriano, others
  • Key issues: Education, healthcare, economy
  • Shapiro: Frontrunner, high name recognition
  • Street: Progressive Democrat, focus on social justice
  • Mastriano: Self-described "America First" conservative, Trump supporter
  • Race heating up, candidates positioning on key issues
  • Voters looking for solutions, leadership

The 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election is expected to be a closely watched race, with the outcome having implications for the state and the nation.

Democratic primary: Josh Shapiro vs. Sharif Street

The Democratic primary in the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race features two strong contenders: Josh Shapiro and Sharif Street.

  • Josh Shapiro:

    Shapiro is the current Attorney General of Pennsylvania and a former state representative. He is considered the frontrunner in the Democratic primary due to his high name recognition and fundraising advantage. Shapiro is a moderate Democrat who has focused his campaign on issues such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.

Sharif Street:

Street is a State Senator from Philadelphia and a progressive Democrat. He has gained support among some voters for his focus on social justice issues, such as criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and environmental protection. Street is also a strong advocate for increasing funding for public education and expanding access to healthcare.

Key differences:

The main differences between Shapiro and Street lie in their political experience and their positions on certain issues. Shapiro has more experience in statewide office, while Street has a reputation as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Shapiro is considered more of a moderate Democrat, while Street is more progressive. For example, Shapiro supports the death penalty in certain cases, while Street opposes it.

Race dynamics:

The Democratic primary is expected to be competitive, with both Shapiro and Street having strong support among different segments of the Democratic electorate. Shapiro is likely to do well among moderate and older voters, while Street is likely to appeal to younger voters and those who are more progressive. The outcome of the primary could have implications for the general election, as the Democratic nominee will face a strong Republican challenger.

Ultimately, the Democratic primary voters will decide which candidate they believe is the best choice to lead Pennsylvania.

Republican primary: William McSwain, Dave White, Doug Mastriano, others

The Republican primary in the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race is a crowded field, with several candidates vying for the nomination.

William McSwain:
McSwain is a former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is a conservative Republican who has focused his campaign on issues such as law and order, tax cuts, and school choice. McSwain is considered to be one of the frontrunners in the Republican primary.

Dave White:
White is a former Delaware County Councilman and a businessman. He is a moderate Republican who has focused his campaign on issues such as job creation, education reform, and fiscal responsibility. White is seen as a potential consensus candidate who could unite the Republican Party.

Doug Mastriano:
Mastriano is a State Senator from Franklin County. He is a self-described "America First" conservative who has gained attention for his vocal support of former President Donald Trump and his opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. Mastriano is a longshot candidate, but he has a passionate following among some Republican voters.

Other candidates:
In addition to McSwain, White, and Mastriano, there are several other candidates running in the Republican primary, including former U.S. Congresswoman Melissa Hart, former State Senator Scott Wagner, and businessman Paul Mango. However, these candidates are considered to be longshots.

Race dynamics:
The Republican primary is expected to be competitive, with McSwain, White, and Mastriano all having their own strengths and weaknesses. McSwain is the most experienced candidate and has the most name recognition, but he is also seen as the most moderate. White is a more moderate candidate who could appeal to a wider range of voters, but he lacks McSwain's experience. Mastriano is the most conservative candidate and has a strong following among Trump supporters, but he is also seen as too extreme by some voters.

Ultimately, the Republican primary voters will decide which candidate they believe is the best choice to lead Pennsylvania.

Key issues: Education, healthcare, economy

The candidates running for governor of Pennsylvania have different plans for addressing the state's key issues, including education, healthcare, and the economy.

  • Education:

    All of the candidates have proposed plans to improve education in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to increase funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and provide more support for teachers. Street's plan includes increasing teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and expanding vocational and technical education programs. McSwain wants to give parents more choice in their children's education, including the ability to use public funds for private school tuition. White wants to increase funding for public schools and focus on improving student outcomes. Mastriano wants to increase school choice and give parents more control over their children's education.

Healthcare:

The candidates also have different plans for addressing healthcare in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to expand access to affordable healthcare, including by expanding Medicaid and creating a public option. Street wants to create a single-payer healthcare system in Pennsylvania. McSwain wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and give states more flexibility in regulating healthcare. White wants to expand access to affordable healthcare and focus on improving the quality of care. Mastriano wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and give individuals more control over their healthcare decisions.

Economy:

The candidates also have different plans for boosting the economy in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to invest in infrastructure, support small businesses, and create jobs. Street wants to invest in renewable energy, create jobs in the green economy, and raise the minimum wage. McSwain wants to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and promote economic growth. White wants to focus on job creation, workforce development, and improving the state's business climate. Mastriano wants to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and promote economic growth.

Ultimately, the voters of Pennsylvania will decide which candidate's plans for education, healthcare, and the economy they believe are best for the state.

Shapiro: Frontrunner, high name recognition

Josh Shapiro is the current Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the Democratic frontrunner in the gubernatorial race. He has high name recognition and a strong fundraising advantage, and he is considered to be a moderate Democrat who can appeal to a wide range of voters.

Shapiro has focused his campaign on issues such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. He has proposed plans to increase funding for public schools, expand access to affordable healthcare, and legalize recreational marijuana. Shapiro has also been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and his policies.

Shapiro's experience as Attorney General has given him a platform to raise his profile and build relationships with voters across the state. He has also been endorsed by a number of prominent Democrats, including Governor Tom Wolf and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Shapiro's main challenger in the Democratic primary is State Senator Sharif Street. Street is a progressive Democrat who has focused his campaign on social justice issues such as criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and environmental protection. Street has also been a vocal critic of Shapiro, arguing that he is too moderate and too close to the Democratic establishment.

Despite Street's challenge, Shapiro remains the frontrunner in the Democratic primary. His high name recognition, fundraising advantage, and moderate positions make him the candidate to beat.

Street: Progressive Democrat, focus on social justice

Sharif Street is a State Senator from Philadelphia and a progressive Democrat who is challenging Josh Shapiro in the Democratic primary for governor of Pennsylvania.

  • Social justice focus:

    Street has made social justice the centerpiece of his campaign. He has proposed plans to reform the criminal justice system, address racial inequality, and expand access to affordable housing and healthcare. Street is also a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and environmental protection.

Criminal justice reform:

Street wants to end mass incarceration and reduce the prison population by decriminalizing marijuana, eliminating cash bail, and investing in alternatives to incarceration. He also wants to reform the parole system and provide more support for people reentering society after prison.

Racial inequality:

Street wants to address racial inequality by investing in communities of color, expanding access to education and job training, and ending discrimination in housing and employment. He also wants to create a reparations program for Black Pennsylvanians.

Affordable housing and healthcare:

Street wants to make housing and healthcare more affordable for all Pennsylvanians. He wants to invest in affordable housing construction, expand Medicaid, and create a single-payer healthcare system.

Street is a rising star in the Democratic Party and a strong advocate for progressive policies. He is hoping to unseat Josh Shapiro in the Democratic primary and become the next governor of Pennsylvania.

Mastriano: Self-described "America First" conservative, Trump supporter

Doug Mastriano is a State Senator from Franklin County and a self-described "America First" conservative who is running for governor of Pennsylvania. He is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and his policies.

Mastriano has focused his campaign on issues such as election integrity, gun rights, and abortion. He has proposed a number of controversial policies, including requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls, banning assault weapons, and making it more difficult for women to obtain abortions.

Mastriano is a longshot candidate in the Republican primary, but he has a passionate following among some Republican voters, particularly those who are strong supporters of Trump. He is also a vocal critic of the Republican establishment, which he believes is too moderate.

Mastriano's views on a number of issues are outside the mainstream of Pennsylvania voters. For example, he has said that he believes the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump, even though there is no evidence to support this claim. He has also said that he would consider pardoning people who were convicted of participating in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Mastriano's candidacy is a sign of the deep divisions within the Republican Party in Pennsylvania. He is hoping to appeal to Trump's base of supporters and win the Republican nomination. However, he is likely to face an uphill battle in the general election, as most Pennsylvania voters do not share his extreme views.

Race heating up, candidates positioning on key issues

With the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election approaching, the race is heating up and the candidates are positioning themselves on the key issues that matter to voters.

  • Education:

    All of the candidates have proposed plans to improve education in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to increase funding for public schools, expand access to early childhood education, and provide more support for teachers. Street wants to create a single-payer healthcare system in Pennsylvania. McSwain wants to give parents more choice in their children's education, including the ability to use public funds for private school tuition. White wants to increase funding for public schools and focus on improving student outcomes. Mastriano wants to increase school choice and give parents more control over their children's education.

Healthcare:

The candidates also have different plans for addressing healthcare in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to expand access to affordable healthcare, including by expanding Medicaid and creating a public option. Street wants to create a single-payer healthcare system in Pennsylvania. McSwain wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and give states more flexibility in regulating healthcare. White wants to expand access to affordable healthcare and focus on improving the quality of care. Mastriano wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and give individuals more control over their healthcare decisions.

Economy:

The candidates also have different plans for boosting the economy in Pennsylvania. Shapiro wants to invest in infrastructure, support small businesses, and create jobs. Street wants to invest in renewable energy, create jobs in the green economy, and raise the minimum wage. McSwain wants to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and promote economic growth. White wants to focus on job creation, workforce development, and improving the state's business climate. Mastriano wants to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and promote economic growth.

Election integrity:

Election integrity has emerged as a key issue in the Republican primary, with McSwain, White, and Mastriano all proposing measures to restrict voting access. McSwain wants to require voters to show photo ID at the polls. White wants to ban drop boxes and limit early voting. Mastriano wants to eliminate no-excuse mail-in voting and require voters to re-register every four years.

The candidates are also positioning themselves on other issues, such as abortion, gun control, and climate change. As the race heats up, the candidates will continue to debate these issues and try to convince voters that they are the best person to lead Pennsylvania.

Voters looking for solutions, leadership

As the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election approaches, voters are looking for candidates who can offer real solutions to the challenges facing the state and provide strong leadership.

  • Solutions to key issues:

    Voters want candidates who have clear and具体的な plans to address the key issues facing Pennsylvania, such as education, healthcare, and the economy. They are looking for candidates who can provide specific examples of how they will improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.

Strong leadership:

Voters want candidates who have the experience and temperament to lead Pennsylvania effectively. They are looking for candidates who are decisive, trustworthy, and able to work with people from different backgrounds to get things done.

Integrity and honesty:

Voters want candidates who are honest and trustworthy. They are looking for candidates who have a proven track record of integrity and who will put the interests of Pennsylvania first.

Ability to unite the state:

Voters want candidates who can unite the state and bring people together. They are looking for candidates who can build consensus and work with people from different parties and backgrounds to solve problems.

The candidates running for governor of Pennsylvania are all aware of the challenges facing the state and the need for strong leadership. They are all working hard to convince voters that they are the best person to lead Pennsylvania into the future.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the upcoming Pennsylvania gubernatorial election:

Question 1: Who is running for governor of Pennsylvania?
Answer 1: The candidates running for governor of Pennsylvania are Josh Shapiro, Sharif Street, William McSwain, Dave White, and Doug Mastriano.

Question 2: When is the election?
Answer 2: The election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Question 3: What are the key issues in the race?
Answer 3: The key issues in the race include education, healthcare, the economy, election integrity, and abortion.

Question 4: Who are the frontrunners in the race?
Answer 4: Josh Shapiro and William McSwain are considered to be the frontrunners in the race.

Question 5: What are the candidates' positions on the key issues?
Answer 5: You can find more information about the candidates' positions on the key issues in the article above.

Question 6: What should voters consider when making their decision?
Answer 6: Voters should consider the candidates' positions on the issues, their experience, and their temperament when making their decision.

We hope this FAQ has been helpful. For more information about the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, please visit the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of State.

As you prepare to vote in the upcoming election, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision on Election Day:

Tip 1: Research the candidates and their positions.
Learn about the candidates' backgrounds, experience, and positions on the issues. You can find this information on the candidates' websites, in news articles, and in voter guides.

Tip 2: Attend candidate forums and debates.
Candidate forums and debates are a great way to hear the candidates speak about the issues and answer questions from voters. You can find information about upcoming forums and debates on the websites of local news organizations and the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Tip 3: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors.
Talk to the people you know about the election and the candidates. Share information and discuss the issues. This can help you to learn more about the candidates and their positions.

Tip 4: Make a plan to vote.
Find out where your polling place is located and how to get there. You can also find out if you are eligible to vote by mail. Make sure you have the proper identification to vote.

We hope these tips have been helpful. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision on Election Day and help to choose the best candidate to lead Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election is an important opportunity for voters to make their voices heard and to choose the leader who will represent their interests in Harrisburg. We encourage all eligible Pennsylvanians to vote in the upcoming election.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election is a critical race that will have a major impact on the future of the state. The candidates running for governor have different visions for Pennsylvania, and voters will have the opportunity to choose the candidate who they believe will best lead the state.

The main points of the election are as follows:

  • The candidates running for governor are Josh Shapiro, Sharif Street, William McSwain, Dave White, and Doug Mastriano.
  • The key issues in the race include education, healthcare, the economy, election integrity, and abortion.
  • Josh Shapiro and William McSwain are considered to be the frontrunners in the race.
  • Voters should consider the candidates' positions on the issues, their experience, and their temperament when making their decision.

The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election is an important opportunity for voters to make their voices heard and to choose the leader who will represent their interests in Harrisburg. We encourage all eligible Pennsylvanians to vote in the upcoming election.

We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision on Election Day. Thank you for reading!