Stacy Garrity (official portrait)
Republican Treasurer Stacy Garrity was projected to win her bid for reelection on Tuesday, unofficial tallies showed, defeating Democrat Erin McClelland 52% ro 45%. The Associated Press called the race at abut 3:35 a.m.
Her campaign focused on her military background and successes in office, leaning into the record amounts of unclaimed property she returned to Pennsylvanians and efforts to make state-backed savings accounts more accessible.
“I am deeply honored that the people of Pennsylvania have expressed their confidence in my record by granting me a second term as your State Treasurer,” Garrity said in a statement declaring victory. “This victory belongs to every Pennsylvanian who believes in responsible stewardship of our tax dollars, in transparency, and in a brighter future for our Commonwealth.”
Garrity often campaigned with Republican presidential nominee, former President Doanld Trump. She has said she will make it a priority to push for the creation of a tax-deductible, 401k-style retirement savings program.
McClelland, whose background is in substance abuse recovery program management in Pennsylvania, fought an uphill battle from the start. In April’s primary, she defeated the state Democratic Party’s preferred candidate, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), despite a fundraising gap, surprising many observers.
When Gov. Josh Shapiro was under consideration to be Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate, McClelland publicly criticized his previous handling of sexual harassment allegations against a top aide in his office. This drew criticism from some influential state Democrats. Shapiro, notably, refused to endorse her, even as he backed other Democrats running for row offices.
Garrity’s campaign had its own struggles as well. In January, 2021, she spoke at a rally in Harrisburg pushing for the decertification of the presidential election results in Pennsylvania, even after winning her race for treasurer on the same ticket. And in 2022, she joined Trump at a rally and appeared to affirmed her belief the election was illegitimate. Her 2024 reelection campaign, however, tried to walk back these statements.
The two candidates often traded barbs during the campaign. McClelland often criticized Garrity’s decision to invest in Israeli bonds after the country went to war in Gaza. Garrity tried to paint McClelland as inexperienced.
“As we look to the future, I am excited to continue working for you,” Garrity said in her election night statement. “Together, we will build on our successes and tackle the challenges ahead. Thank you, Pennsylvania, for your trust and support. I am honored to serve as your State Treasurer for another term.”