Pennsylvania Governor Mastriano Rules Out 2026 Bid Amid Religious Conviction
State Senator Doug Mastriano announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election as governor in 2026, citing a divine directive. In a Facebook livestream with his wife Rebbie, Mastriano said the couple had prayed and fasted on the issue, only to come to the realization that God had "not called us to run for governor this year."
Mastriano's decision comes after his defeat in 2022, when he ran against current Governor Josh Shapiro. While not explicitly endorsing state Treasurer Stacy Garrity as a potential replacement, Mastriano hinted that a grassroots-backed Republican candidate would be necessary to win the party's nomination.
The announcement marked a nostalgic turn for Mastriano, who spent most of the livestream reminiscing about his 2022 campaign and recounting tales from the COVID-19 pandemic. His presence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during the storming of the building, has also come under scrutiny in recent years.
Despite ruling out a 2026 bid, Mastriano emphasized that he remains committed to his role as state senator and will not be up for reelection until 2028. Shapiro is expected to announce his reelection campaign on Thursday, although no other Republican has yet indicated their intention to run for governor or lieutenant governor.
The Pennsylvania primaries are set for May 19, with the general election taking place on November 3.
State Senator Doug Mastriano announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election as governor in 2026, citing a divine directive. In a Facebook livestream with his wife Rebbie, Mastriano said the couple had prayed and fasted on the issue, only to come to the realization that God had "not called us to run for governor this year."
Mastriano's decision comes after his defeat in 2022, when he ran against current Governor Josh Shapiro. While not explicitly endorsing state Treasurer Stacy Garrity as a potential replacement, Mastriano hinted that a grassroots-backed Republican candidate would be necessary to win the party's nomination.
The announcement marked a nostalgic turn for Mastriano, who spent most of the livestream reminiscing about his 2022 campaign and recounting tales from the COVID-19 pandemic. His presence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during the storming of the building, has also come under scrutiny in recent years.
Despite ruling out a 2026 bid, Mastriano emphasized that he remains committed to his role as state senator and will not be up for reelection until 2028. Shapiro is expected to announce his reelection campaign on Thursday, although no other Republican has yet indicated their intention to run for governor or lieutenant governor.
The Pennsylvania primaries are set for May 19, with the general election taking place on November 3.
. I mean, come on, you're a gov and then you just rule out running again because of some divine directive? Like, what's next? 
I get that he wants to focus on his role as state senator, but can't he at least wait till 2028? 
It feels like he's already making plans for the next guy, you know? 
And what about all the drama around January 6th? 
Is that really something he needs to revisit right now? I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. 
i'm kinda surprised by mastriano's decision, but at the same time i get why he'd want to focus on being a senator for another couple of years... 
, but at the same time, it's kinda weird that he's putting God first over his re-election bid 
. Like, what's next? Are we gonna see politicians seeking endorsements from saints or something? 
Just kidding, sorta.
. Maybe some youngblood will step up and challenge Shapiro, but for now, I think he's cruising towards another easy win 
.
still, I guess it's good to see him being true to himself (or whatever divine calling he thinks he has) 
... I mean, who needs a little thing like reality when you've got a direct line to God, right? 
.
. But I guess you can't force God's will, right? 
.
. Shapiro's already announcing his rec campaign, and now we're supposed to just sit back and wait? 
. Either way, think it's safe to say Mastriano's got some major shoes to fill if he wants to be taken seriously again 
. What do you guys think is gonna happen with the GOP in PA next year? 
.
. Thinks he's above politics just 'cause he's got some crazy conviction 
. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who ends up running against Shapiro next year!