A recent poll conducted by the Pennsylvania State University has shed light on the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race in the state. The poll revealed that the race is shaping up to be a highly competitive one between two strong candidates – current Attorney General Josh Shapiro and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
According to the poll, both Shapiro and Garrity have a strong base of support among the voters of Pennsylvania. However, Shapiro seems to have a slight edge over Garrity, with 48% of the voters favoring him compared to 44% for Garrity. This difference of 4% is within the margin of error, making the race too close to call at this point.
The poll also revealed that both candidates have strong approval ratings among the voters. Shapiro’s approval rating stands at 51%, while Garrity’s is at 49%. This shows that both candidates have been successful in gaining the trust and support of the people of Pennsylvania.
The poll also delved into the key issues that are likely to influence the voters’ decision in the 2026 gubernatorial race. It found that the top concerns for the voters are healthcare, education, and the economy. This is not surprising, given the current state of affairs in the country and the impact of the ongoing pandemic on these areas.
On the issue of healthcare, both Shapiro and Garrity have strong plans to improve access and affordability for the people of Pennsylvania. Shapiro has been a vocal advocate for protecting the Affordable Care Act and expanding Medicaid in the state. Garrity, on the other hand, has promised to work towards reducing healthcare costs and increasing transparency in the system.
When it comes to education, both candidates have a similar vision of investing in public schools and making higher education more accessible and affordable. Shapiro has been a strong proponent of increasing funding for public schools and providing free community college for Pennsylvania students. Garrity has also emphasized the need for investing in education and has proposed a plan to provide tax credits for families who choose to homeschool their children.
On the economic front, both candidates have promised to create more job opportunities and boost the state’s economy. Shapiro has highlighted his efforts in cracking down on fraud and corruption, which he believes will create a more business-friendly environment in the state. Garrity, on the other hand, has focused on reducing taxes and regulations to attract more businesses to Pennsylvania.
The poll also revealed that both Shapiro and Garrity have a strong appeal among different demographics. Shapiro has a higher approval rating among women and younger voters, while Garrity has a higher approval rating among men and older voters. This shows that both candidates have been successful in reaching out to a diverse group of voters.
With the 2026 gubernatorial race still five years away, there is a lot of time for both candidates to gain more support and win over undecided voters. However, the poll results give a glimpse of what the race might look like and the issues that will be at the forefront.
In conclusion, the poll results have shown that the 2026 gubernatorial race in Pennsylvania is going to be a highly competitive one between two strong candidates – Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity. Both candidates have a strong base of support and have been successful in gaining the trust and approval of the people of Pennsylvania. As the race progresses, it will be interesting to see how both candidates continue to reach out to the voters and address the key issues that are important to them.
