Pennsylvania GOP Endorses Jason Richey for Lieutenant Governor

Richey gains party support ahead of primary election

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Republican Party has endorsed Jason Richey, a 54-year-old western Pennsylvania attorney, in his bid for lieutenant governor. Richey was immediately endorsed by Stacy Garrity, the GOP-backed candidate for governor, as her running mate. Richey said he would work with Garrity to make government more efficient, cut regulations for the private sector, and protect "traditional family values."

Why it matters

The lieutenant governor's office in Pennsylvania holds significant influence, serving as the presiding officer of the state Senate, chairing the Board of Pardons, and being first in line to succeed the governor. Richey's endorsement by the state GOP signals the party's support for his conservative policy platform ahead of the primary election.

The details

Richey, a Beaver County native, entered the race last month and was immediately endorsed by Garrity. At the state GOP's winter meeting, committee members voted by voice to support Richey's candidacy. He was the only Republican nominee. Richey previously ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2022, proposing a 0% state income tax to attract new residents and businesses. While running mates, Pennsylvania Republicans choose their governor and lieutenant governor nominees separately, meaning voters will cast individual votes for each office in the primary.

  • Richey entered the lieutenant governor race last month.
  • The Pennsylvania GOP endorsed Richey at their winter meeting on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Jason Richey

A 54-year-old western Pennsylvania attorney and the endorsed Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

Stacy Garrity

The GOP-backed candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, who has endorsed Richey as her running mate.

Austin Davis

The incumbent Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, who did not respond to a request for comment about Richey's candidacy.

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What they’re saying

“Today is not just another endorsement. Today is the moment the Pennsylvanian Republican Party stands together and resolves to take back our commonwealth.”

— Jason Richey (witf.org)

“I would work with the Trump administration, obviously, because we need to turn our state around.”

— Stacy Garrity, GOP-backed candidate for governor (witf.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This endorsement by the Pennsylvania Republican Party signals their support for Richey's conservative policy platform, including his proposals to make government more efficient, cut regulations, and protect "traditional family values." As the lieutenant governor's office holds significant influence, Richey's nomination could have major implications for the state's political landscape.