Republican Candidates in Pennsylvania Governor Race Advocate Strong Anti-Abortion Policies
State Senator Doug Mastriano and Treasurer Stacy Garrity, key figures in Pennsylvania’s Republican sphere, are both known for their firm anti-abortion stances, which could separate them from a significant portion of the electorate.
Although neither has officially announced their candidacy, both Mastriano and Garrity have hinted at potential challenges to the incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in the upcoming election cycle.
Mastriano, who experienced a significant loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race, remarked, “Running for state office is not one and done,” indicating strategic plans for a future campaign.
His previous defeat is largely attributed to his conservative positions, notably his pledge to implement a six-week abortion ban and his self-description as “the most pro-life guy out there” during a radio discussion.
According to a University of Maryland survey last year, a majority of Pennsylvania Republicans, 53%, do not support the criminalization of abortion, with this sentiment echoed by 73% of Democrats. Overall, 69% of Pennsylvanians favor federal legislation to protect abortion rights.
This backdrop has led some within the Republican ranks to question the viability of another Mastriano candidacy.
Jim Worthington, a prominent Republican donor from Bucks County, expressed concern, stating, “Doug Mastriano would be a death sentence, for not only the governor’s race, but also would hurt us so bad in keeping the Congress,” as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Garrity, who has been state treasurer since 2021, has also faced scrutiny over her views. She lauded the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade in a 2022 Facebook post, calling it “a great day for the sanctity of life” and stating “justice has prevailed.”
In subsequent social media activity, Garrity shared an image that read “Roses are red, violets are blue, defund Planned Parenthood,” a sentiment she later marketed on campaign merchandise, including a hat with the slogan “Baby Lives Matter.”
A KFF tracking poll indicates that nearly one in three American women have accessed health services from Planned Parenthood at some stage in their lives.
Garrity has also been vocal about her desire for leadership that aligns with her values, as evidenced by her Facebook post declaring, “Pennsylvania needs a PRO-LIFE governor.”
In a potential collaboration, Mastriano has expressed willingness to run on a joint ticket with Garrity, with one assuming the role of lieutenant governor.
The post Anti-abortion extremists eye Pennsylvania governor’s mansion appeared first on American Journal News.
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