Elections

From the archives 2021

Pennsylvania’s 2022 race for governor: What we know so far

by Sarah Anne Hughes of Spotlight PA |

TOM GRALISH / Philadelphia Inquirer

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Final update, May 18, 2022: Doug Mastriano has won the Republican nomination for governor. He will face Democrat Josh Shapiro in the fall.

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania politicos are preparing for an intense 2022 election, with open seats for U.S. Senate and governor on the November ballot. The field is still taking shape, but it’s already clear there’s a lot at stake — both races are currently categorized by the Cook Political Report as toss-ups.

The race for governor may get less national attention, but the outcome will determine the balance of power in Harrisburg and could radically shape policies on everything from abortion to voting rights in the years to come.

Here’s what we know about the candidates who will appear on the ballot, according to the Department of State.

Democrats

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s attorney general | Website

Republicans

Lou Barletta, former U.S. representative from northeast Pennsylvania | Website

Jake Corman, president pro tempore of the state Senate | Website

Joe Gale, Montgomery County commissioner | Website

Charlie Gerow, Republican strategist | Website

Melissa Hart, former U.S. representative from Western Pennsylvania | Twitter

Doug Mastriano, state senator from Franklin County | Article

Bill McSwain, former U.S. attorney | Website

Dave White, former Delaware County Council member | Website

Nche Zama, cardiothoracic surgeon | Website

Other

So far, three people who aren’t members of a major party have declared their intention to run:

Libertarian Party: Joe Soloski, public accountant | Website

Green Party: Christina Olson, artist, co-chair of Green Party of Pennsylvania, owner of Lehigh Valley Ladders | Twitter

Independent: Eddie Wenrich, filmmaker | Twitter

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