The race for Pennsylvania governor in 2026 is coming into focus as potential candidates scope out the landscape.
Congressman Dan Meuser, a Republican whose district goes from Bradford County to Lebanon County, has announced he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, opting instead to focus on his work with President Donald Trump’s agenda in Congress, according to a statement he issued.
The decision, which was first reported by ABC News, comes after Meuser reportedly informed Trump on Saturday.
Meuser’s withdrawal could shape the Republican primary field for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is expected to seek his second four-year term.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Meuser confirmed his decision, stating his commitment to “work with President Trump and our Republican majorities in both the House and Senate to pass his agenda.”
Sources familiar with the matter told PennLive.com Meuser’s decision followed an internal poll indicating a challenging path to unseat Shapiro.
Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairperson Greg Rothman, a state senator, lauded Meuser, stating he “will continue to be a leader in our party for many years to come.”
Meuser had previously expressed his consideration for a gubernatorial run in January, according to Harrisburg’s Fox 43.
President Trump had publicly supported Meuser during a rally in Pittsburgh and said, “if you run, you have my full support. And you’ll win.”
Shapiro, who defeated Republican State Sen. Doug Mastriano by 15 percentage points in 2022, has maintained strong statewide and national name recognition, is a formidable fundraiser, and was even considered by then-Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential running mate in 2024.
A recent Morning Consult poll showed Shapiro remains among the top 10 most popular governors in the nation.
Meuser’s decision may open the door for Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a military veteran, who has indicated her interest in running.
Politics PA reported that Garrity received 41.1% support in an April straw poll of Pennsylvania Leadership Conference attendees, outpacing Meuser at 9.13% and Mastriano at 6.39%.
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Mastriano, who lost the 2022 gubernatorial race, has also expressed interest on social media in running for governor again.
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