State Treasurers, Legislators Announce 2026 Gubernatorial Bids Across Multiple States

Several Republicans have announced their candidacies for governor in key states ahead of the 2026 elections. In Minnesota, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, who chairs the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, is running in a GOP primary that already includes Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls; her campaign focuses on government mismanagement and fraud. In Connecticut, State Sen. Ryan Fazio launched his campaign emphasizing high taxes, soaring electric rates, and the need to restore economic opportunity and law enforcement support. Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a retired Army colonel and Trump ally, is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, focusing on job creation, economic strengthening, and lowering family costs, while Shapiro criticizes her support for Trump’s tax plans. The Pennsylvania governor's race could feature a competitive Republican primary with the potential entry of Doug Mastriano. These developments highlight the Republican strategy to contest governorships by targeting economic and governance issues amid varying state political landscapes.