The LuLac Edirion #5, 622, Aoril 7th, 2026

 

MASTRIANO

RUNS WITH

WRITE IN EFFORT

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has a challenger for the GOP nomination for governor … albeit a write-in candidate.

Walk With Free People, a grassroots conservative movement, is rallying supporters of State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams/Franklin) to write his name on the May 19 primary ballot.

The 2022 Republican nominee for governor, Mastriano danced around the subject of running for the chief executive position again over the past year, but opted out of a run in January.

Yet his supporters were angered over the PA GOP’s decision to endorse Garrity early and not have an open primary which led to the unusual path Mastriano’s supporters will take and one that has the longest of odds.

“Typically, the Primary is where voters decide the party’s future,” his website states. “Last year, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania attempted to bypass you by endorsing a candidate early, a tactic designed to discourage challengers and manipulate the vote. This manipulation can make the race feel “over” before it began. But an endorsement is not a victory. The people decide the nominee, not the establishment.

“Doug Mastriano ran for Governor in 2022 and won that year’s primary with nearly 45% of the vote. This year, Doug is a write-in candidate for Governor. Despite the establishment’s attempts to close the door, Doug Mastriano remains the proven choice for Pennsylvania. A man of faith, family, and freedom, Doug offers a record of service that stands unmatched.”

This effort is going to throw a wrench into the campaign of Treasurer Garritty.  In a weird sort of way this could help her with voters in the primary and general who are anti Trump. Right now the Dems (including we here at LuLac)  are posting photos of her with “The Donald”. With Mastriano in the race, that might be a boon to her because he is a little more MAGA than she.

All that said, this is a big hill to climb for the former veteran and current State Senator. First he must educate supporters to make sure they correctly fill in his name. They must make sure the name is spelled correctly or the ballot will be tossed.  Second, he will have opposition from the established Republican party in Pennsylvania. Third, this run is complicated by the Trump factor in a negative manner. While Shapiro will sail to a primary victory and a record, the GOP party in this gubernatorial race will once more be split.

This will be a test for the MAGAs in Pennsylvania and the practical politicians who want to attract Independents who are running away from Trump. Mastriano won 45% of the vote last time with 4 people in the race. This time he’s counting on volunteers  with a late start in a one to one contest with an opponent who is a Trump fan, a veteran and a candidate who doesn’t pull any punches. Their sex is the only thing that makes them different.

 

McCLAY EVENT

TOMORROW

AT PATTE’S

Jessica McClay will be having a campaign event Wednesday the 8^th at Patte’s Sports Bar. Donation is $20.00. The event starts at 6pm until 8pm. 

After many years of coaching softball and t-ball, Jessica found new ways to give back in the community. She served on the Planning Commission, Fire/Civil Service Commission, and the Traffic Committee.

In 2024, Jessica was elected to Wilkes-Barre City Council where she currently serves as Council President. In her time on council, Jessica has collaborated with the Mayor and the city administration to pursue more grant opportunities, securing essential resources while shifting the financial burden away from taxpayers. McClay supported funding for specialized gear-washing equipment to protect firefighters from carcinogens and helped modernize the Wilkes-Barre Police Department’s fleet with 10 new vehicles.