Republican Rep. Announces Run For Governor?
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) has signaled that he is seriously contemplating a run for governor of Pennsylvania in 2026, potentially taking on incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. In a recent interview with The Hill, Meuser shared that he is weighing the possibility of entering the race, emphasizing his commitment to offering voters a real choice. “If I run, it will be because I believe I can win, and that means taking on Josh Shapiro,” Meuser stated. “It won’t be easy, but I’m serious about it. Frankly, I don’t think the state is headed in the right direction under Shapiro.”
Meuser, who represents Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, expressed concerns about Shapiro’s leadership, arguing that his administration lacks a clear, effective vision for the state’s future. “Pennsylvania should be thriving,” Meuser remarked, citing several key issues, such as the state’s lagging position in attracting investments in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. He also criticized Shapiro’s handling of important economic matters, such as his opposition to the U.S. Steel deal involving Japan’s Nippon Steel.
While Meuser has not yet made a final decision on whether to run, he indicated that he could announce his candidacy by mid-2025, after taking time to build support and gauge the political landscape. “I’ll be making moves toward it and seeing how everything comes together,” he said. “It’s a big challenge, but if I believe I can win, I’ll go for it.”
Challenging Shapiro, who won his 2022 race by a significant margin, will be a tough battle for any Republican. Shapiro defeated his GOP opponent, state Sen. Doug Mastriano, by a wide margin, winning 56% of the vote. The governor’s popularity has remained strong, with recent polls showing approval ratings hovering around 50%. Despite this, Meuser remains undeterred, asserting that Pennsylvania deserves better leadership.
Before his tenure in Congress, Meuser served as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Revenue from 2011 to 2015, giving him a deep understanding of the state’s fiscal landscape. Whether or not he enters the race, Meuser’s remarks signal that he is preparing to bring a bold, conservative vision to the state’s political stage.
