Poll Shows Pennsylvanians Frustrated with Government

Shapiro maintains lead over Garrity in gubernatorial race despite low approval ratings

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new Franklin and Marshall poll has found that 44% of Pennsylvanians believe the state is on the wrong track, while only 39% think it's on the right track. The poll also shows that while Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro maintains a 20-point lead over Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, his approval rating is only 50% - lower than in previous polls.

Why it matters

The high level of frustration with government across party lines in Pennsylvania could signal broader dissatisfaction with the political establishment and a desire for change. The gubernatorial race between Shapiro and Garrity will be closely watched as a potential barometer of voter sentiment in the key swing state.

The details

The Franklin and Marshall poll found that Pennsylvanians, regardless of party affiliation, are frustrated with the performance of government at all levels. Attorney Clint Barkdoll noted that the poll results show 'almost a plurality of everything that says they're frustrated with how the government is operating.' Despite Shapiro's lead in the gubernatorial race, his approval rating of 50% is lower than in previous polls, suggesting he may face challenges in connecting with some voters.

  • The Franklin and Marshall poll was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania governor, currently leading in the polls.

Stacy Garrity

The Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor, who has been campaigning extensively across the state.

Clint Barkdoll

An attorney who commented on the poll results.

Rob Kauffman

A Pennsylvania state representative who discussed the poll and the gubernatorial race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You go through all of the issues, and again, this is Republicans, Democrats and Independents, there's almost a plurality of everything that says they're frustrated with how the government is operating.”

— Clint Barkdoll, Attorney

“The fact that he's only at 50% says something to me. It says that, yes, Stacy has a lot of work to do, but it's a doable thing for her. He should be well over 50% in his approval and be polling over 50% with all of the shade that the press throws at him on a daily basis.”

— Rob Kauffman, Pennsylvania State Representative

What’s next

Stacy Garrity, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, will be in Franklin County on March 26 for the Lincoln Day Dinner, where she will have an opportunity to connect with voters and address their concerns.

The takeaway

The high level of frustration with government among Pennsylvanians, regardless of party affiliation, suggests a desire for change and a willingness to consider alternative candidates. The gubernatorial race between Shapiro and Garrity will be a key test of voter sentiment in the state.