Pa. Sen. Doug Mastriano says he has ‘grassroots’ support as party lines up behind opponent
News August 26, 2025

Pa. Sen. Doug Mastriano says he has ‘grassroots’ support as party lines up behind opponent

Sen. Doug Mastriano says he opposes the “extremely premature” decision by Pennsylvania Republicans and legislative leaders endorse Treasurer Stacy Garrity for governor.

**Mastriano Claims "Grassroots" Support Despite Party Backing Garrity for Governor**

Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano has publicly criticized the recent endorsement of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity for governor by Republican leaders and the state party. Mastriano, a prominent figure within the Pennsylvania GOP, characterized the decision as "extremely premature" and asserted that his own support comes directly from the people, independent of the party establishment.

The endorsement of Garrity by key figures within the Pennsylvania Republican party signals a potential divide within the party as the next gubernatorial election approaches. While an official primary is still some time away, the move clearly establishes Garrity as a frontrunner in the eyes of many prominent Republicans.

Mastriano, known for his conservative stances and strong following among certain segments of the Republican base, maintains that his strength lies in his connection with "grassroots" supporters. This suggests a strategy focused on appealing directly to voters, bypassing the traditional channels of party influence and fundraising. He implies that the party's early endorsement of Garrity doesn't necessarily reflect the will of the wider Republican electorate.

The Senator's statement highlights a growing tension within the Republican party, both in Pennsylvania and nationally, between established figures and those who appeal to a more populist base. While Garrity's endorsement provides her with significant advantages in terms of fundraising and party resources, Mastriano's focus on grassroots support suggests he intends to run a campaign that emphasizes direct engagement with voters and leverages his existing network of supporters.

The coming months will likely see both Garrity and Mastriano, along with any other potential Republican candidates, actively campaigning and vying for the support of Pennsylvania Republicans. The early endorsement of Garrity has undoubtedly set the stage for a potentially contentious primary race, with Mastriano positioning himself as the candidate of the people against the perceived establishment choice. The outcome of this primary will significantly shape the direction of the Republican party in Pennsylvania and its chances of reclaiming the governor's office.
Category: Politics