(WHTM) – Allegheny County attorney Jason Richey has launched a bid for Lieutenant Governor in May’s primary election and has been endorsed by gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity to be her runningmate.
Richey ran in a crowded Republican primary for governor in 2022 but dropped out in March while endorsing former U.S. Attorney William McSwain. The primary race was later won by State Senator Doug Mastriano, who lost the general election to Josh Shapiro.
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Pennsylvania voters will vote for governor and lieutenant governor separately in the primary; however, an endorsement from Garrity makes Richey the likely favorite in May’s primary.
Richey says he has represented manufacturing, construction, and energy companies around the world, as well as a professional wrestling organization. He says Pennsylvania’s economy is “stagnant” due to failed policies currently in place.
Richey says he believes Garrity, who is currently running unopposed, “is the person who can fix Pennsylvania.”
Garrity, the twice-elected State Treasurer, was recently endorsed by President Donald Trump in the governor’s race.
“Over the past several months, I have spoken with numerous political, civic, and business leaders about our Commonwealth’s future and what it will take to turn Pennsylvania around,” said Garrity. “This has been an incredibly encouraging process, not just because of the number of Pennsylvanians from every corner of our Commonwealth that have stepped forward, but because it is clear there is a unified belief in our bright future. Pennsylvania has a wealth of leaders who believe we can and should do better than we are under Josh Shapiro’s failed administration, and through those discussions, one candidate rose to the top to join our campaign as my running mate: Jason Richey.”
“Not only is Jason Richey an accomplished attorney, but he is also a committed civic leader in the greater Pittsburgh area. Jason understands the potential Pennsylvania has, but only if our Commonwealth has the right leadership. Jason shares my serious concerns about Josh Shapiro’s failed tenure as Governor that has placed Pennsylvania 41st nationally, and he is committed to turning Pennsylvania around. Jason Richey will not just be an incredible running mate on the campaign trail, but a terrific partner in governing for all the people of Pennsylvania,” concluded Garrity.
The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association responded to Richey’s announcement saying, in part, “At a time when Pennsylvanians are worried about Trump unleashing violence in our communities and driving up costs, Jason Richey offers nothing but the same tired, extreme Republican playbook that hurts working people, weakens our schools, and drives up the cost of living.”
Westmoreland County resident John Ventre, State Senator Cris Dush, and Bucks County businessman Brian Thomas have also declared their candidacies in the lieutenant governor’s race.
Shapiro and his Lieutenant Governor, Austin Davis, both announced their re-election bids earlier this month.
Pennsylvania’s primary election is May 19.
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