Pittsburgh-Area Attorney Launches PA Lt. Governor Bid

Jason Richey, a Republican, is seeking the GOP nomination for Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Jason Richey, a 54-year-old Pittsburgh attorney and former Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate, has announced that he is running for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. Richey, who is also the chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Party, cited the state's economic challenges and lack of opportunity as key reasons for his campaign.

Why it matters

The race for Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor is an important one, as the lieutenant governor serves as the president of the state Senate and can play a key role in shaping the state's legislative agenda. Richey's entry into the race as a Republican challenger could signal a shift in the party's priorities and messaging ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

The details

Richey, a partner at the K&L Gates law firm in Pittsburgh, previously ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 2022 but dropped out of the race to endorse former U.S. Attorney William McSwain. If he wins the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, Richey would likely face off against incumbent Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a Democrat, in the general election. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who is seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination, has already endorsed Richey's campaign.

  • Richey announced his campaign for lieutenant governor on January 29, 2026.

The players

Jason Richey

A 54-year-old Pittsburgh attorney and partner at the K&L Gates law firm, as well as the chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Party. Richey previously ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 2022 but dropped out to endorse another candidate.

Austin Davis

The incumbent Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, who has announced plans to seek reelection.

Stacy Garrity

The Republican state treasurer of Pennsylvania, who has endorsed Richey's campaign for lieutenant governor.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, I witnessed firsthand the impact of economic downturn, and the lack of opportunity can have on a community and its residents. Today, because of failed policies and ineffective leadership, our economy's stagnant, and opportunities are on the decline. We must turn Pennsylvania around now.”

— Jason Richey, Candidate for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor (Patch.com)

What’s next

If Richey wins the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, he would likely face off against incumbent Lt. Gov. Austin Davis in the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Richey's campaign for lieutenant governor highlights the ongoing political and economic challenges facing Pennsylvania, and could signal a shift in the Republican Party's messaging and priorities ahead of the 2024 election cycle.