GOP congressman opts not to run for Pa. governor, despite backing of Trump
In late May, Republican congressman Dan Meuser’s possible candidacy for governor appeared to get a boost from President Donald Trump.
In an appearance at U.S. Steel’s Irvin Works in West Mifflin, Trump promised to support the fourth-term congressman from Luzerne County if he decided to seek the Republican nomination to run for governor. Meuser had said for months that he was considering a run to challenge Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro in next year’s election.
“If that’s your decision, you’ve got my support, you know that. If you run, you have my support totally, and you’ll win,” Trump said.
Meuser, however, announced Tuesday that he wants to continue his work in Washington instead.
“Continuing the progress we have made is too important, which is why I have decided to remain in the U.S. House of Representatives, working with President Trump and our Republican majorities in both the House and Senate to pass his agenda and forgo a campaign for governor of Pennsylvania,” Meuser, 61, said in a statement.
“My focus needs to remain on doing my job, serving my constituents and executing the plans to strengthen our country,” he added.
In an accompanying statement, Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Greg Rothman said, “We are grateful for Congressman Meuser’s work in Congress, fighting for the people of our great commonwealth and promoting and passing the Trump-Vance agenda of peace, prosperity and America First. Also grateful for the pivotal role Dan played in the election of Donald J. Trump and winning Pennsylvania. Congressman Meuser will continue to be a leader in our party for many years to come.”
In a separate statement, Izzi Levy, spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, said, “Meuser knows that it would be a losing battle to put his record of voting to cut health care, jobs and food assistance for Pennsylvania up against Gov. Shapiro’s record of cutting costs, enhancing public safety, funding our schools and delivering for all Pennsylvanians.”
Other notable Republicans mentioned as potential candidates include state Treasurer Stacy Garrity and state Sen. Doug Mastriano of Franklin County.
Tom Fontaine is director of politics and editorial standards at TribLive. He can be reached at tfontaine@triblive.com.
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