State Sen. Mastriano Opts Not To Run For U.S. Senate

Pennsylvania State Sen. Doug Mastriano announced Thursday evening that he won’t run for the U.S. Senate next year.

Republicans were watching to see if Mastriano would run for federal office. He lost his bid for governor to Democrat Josh Shapiro last November by a considerable margin.

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that we will not pursue a U.S. Senate run but instead continue our service in Harrisburg. Although I have chosen not to enter the race, there will be other individuals who will step forward, run, and eventually secure the primary nomination next year. Whoever becomes the nominee, my wife Rebbie and I will extend our support to them, and we encourage you to do the same,” Mastriano said Thursday.

The Republican state senator from Franklin County was accompanied by his wife, Rebbie, when he made the announcement in a livestream on Facebook.

Given Mastriano’s loss in the gubernatorial race, some Republicans worried a Mastriano bid for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey would be a losing one.

Many Republican politicos believe that Mastriano’s defeat in the governor’s contest negatively impacted the party’s performance in down ballot races last year, which led to the loss of the GOP majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

In 2022, Mastriano garnered the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and campaigned alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Mastriano’s decision has now opened up the race for former hedge fund manager Dave McCormick.

In response to Mastriano’s announcement, McCormick said: “I am seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate because Bob Casey has consistently made life worse for Pennsylvania families over the past 18 years, and our state deserves better.”

McCormick’s previous attempt to secure the GOP U.S. Senate primary nomination ended in a narrow defeat to Mehmet Oz. Oz was unsuccessful in the general election against John Fetterman.

McCormick recently made two stops in Lower Bucks County and met with local Republicans as part of a book tour.

In April, Casey announced his intention to seek another term.