(The Center Square) – After supporting every Republican for statewide office in 2024, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association announced that they are backing Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s re-election campaign in 2026.
“The Governor has been a strong and consistent supporter of the men and women who put on the uniform every day to protect the people of Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, PSTA, President Stephen P. Polishan. “Throughout his time in office, his Administration has worked with the PSTA in good faith, listened to the concerns of our members and addressed the budgetary priorities we have brought forward.”
“Just as importantly, the Governor has demonstrated a genuine understanding of what it takes to recruit, retain, equip and support Pennsylvania State Troopers,” he added in Monday’s endorsement announcement.
The PSTA, which currently represents over 4,300 active and retired Pennsylvania State Troopers, also backed Shapiro in 2022 for governor over GOP state Sen. Doug Mastriano. However, that same year, PSTA endorsed Republican Mehmet Oz over Democrat John Fetterman for U.S. Senate.
“Our members perform dangerous and demanding work, often under circumstances most Pennsylvanians will never experience,” Polishan said. “Governor Shapiro has never taken their service or sacrifice for granted, standing with our members and their families when it matters most.”
In 2024, PSTA endorsed some Democrats down-ballot, but a majority of its endorsements were for Republicans. Statewide, the association stood behind Republicans only, including Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who is challenging Shapiro in November.
On Monday, Shapiro said he was “deeply humbled” to have PSTA’s support for his 2026 campaign.
“I have their backs every single day – and I’m honored that they have mine,” Shapiro said. “So long as I am Governor, I will never waver in my commitment to standing with, and fighting for, the men and women who protect and serve our fellow Pennsylvanians.”
In 2022, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, FOP, Lodge 5 also split their ticket, urging members to support Shapiro for governor and Oz for Senate.
On Tuesday, the union, which represents over 14,000 active and retired police officers and sheriff’s deputies, announced that it is also backing Shapiro’s bid for a second term.
“Over the last four years, Governor Shapiro has continued to show up and support our members and the men and women in law enforcement who keep Philadelphia – and the Commonwealth – safe,” said Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 President Roosevelt L. Poplar. “The Governor has delivered on his promise to invest in public safety, he has shown up with us in times of tragedy, and he has proven his commitment to keeping our officers and the communities we serve safe.”
“Every day, he has shown a commendable ability to work with local law enforcement and deliver the resources and support we need to protect and serve our friends, families, and neighbors,” Poplar continued.
Shapiro, who previously served as the state’s attorney general, has touted investments he’s made into law enforcement since taking office in 2023. According to a press release from the Shapiro campaign, his administration has secured funding for over 2,000 additional law enforcement officers across Pennsylvania, investing more than $1 billion through community-based violence prevention grants, and strengthening community partnerships.
For the state police, he supported funding for 16 new cadet classes to train over 1,600 new state troopers. The Shapiro campaign added that his administration has also reduced the agency’s “reliance on the Motor License Fund, building a new state-of-the-art training facility, and investing in modernizing critical equipment.”
Garrity, a combat veteran, has also been an outspoken supporter of law enforcement in Pennsylvania and beyond.
The Garrity campaign did not respond to a request for comment from The Center Square regarding PSTA’s support for Shapiro in the race.
Last month, Garrity and Shapiro addressed a Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, PA FOP, conference. Neither candidate reached the super-majority needed to receive their endorsement at the meeting. In 2022, the PA FOP also decided to not endorse a candidate in the governor’s race.
