Election 2022 voters guide: Meet the candidates for PA governor and lieutenant governor
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2022 primary election voters guide
The Pennsylvania primary election is May 17. Voters must be registered to vote by 5 p.m. May 2 and apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. May 10. You must be registered as either a Republican or Democrat to vote in the primary election. This voters guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Centre County with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.
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How to vote, find your polling place and more ahead of the May 17 primary election
Election 2022 voters guide: Meet the candidates for PA governor and lieutenant governor
Election 2022 voters guide: Who you’ll see on the ballot for U.S. Senate and House races
Election 2022 voters guide: Here’s who’s running to represent Centre County in the PA House
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Here’s a look at where the PA governor candidates stand on the state’s mail voting law
Editor’s note: Republican candidates Jake Corman and Melissa Hart dropped out of the governor’s race on May 12 and May 13, respectively.
PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR
Description of office: The governor is the chief executive officer of the commonwealth, executing the laws of the state through executive agencies. A governor must be at least 30 years old and have been a U.S. citizen and resident of the state for seven years preceding the election. S/he manages the financial affairs of the state and must annually present a balanced budget to the General Assembly. The governor has extensive appointive powers, may recommend legislation, and signs or vetoes bills passed by both houses of the General Assembly (subject to 2/3 override). S/he is commander-in-chief of the state National Guard, except when they are called into the actual service of the United States. The governor can grant reprieves, pardons and paroles. The holder of this office may only be reelected once.
Term: 4 years
Salary: $213,026
Vote for ONE.
All candidates for Governor AND Lt. Governor were asked:
1. What issue(s) would you prioritize, and how would you work with others in government to get legislation passed and signed into law?
2. What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws?
3. Article 1, Section 27 of the PA constitution guarantees the rights to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment. What actions would you take to protect these rights?
4. There are several pieces of gun legislation being considered on comprehensive background checks, red flag laws, and firearm safety training. What is your position on these measures?
Democratic
JOSH SHAPIRO
Montgomery County
Occupation: Attorney General of Pennsylvania
Education: University of Rochester, BA; Georgetown University Law Center, JD
Qualifications: Whether as a State Rep., the leader of PA’s third-largest county, or Attorney General, I’ve brought people together to get things done. As Governor, I’ll continue to tackle the challenges facing Pennsylvanians and will move our Commonwealth forward.
Campaign Website: joshshapiro.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoshShapiroPA
Twitter: twitter.com/joshshapiropa
Answer to question 1: As Governor, my top priorities are creating opportunity for Pennsylvania children by improving our education system, building a stronger economy by creating jobs, cutting taxes and lowering costs, and making our communities safer all across the Commonwealth. In order to move Pennsylvania forward and build a better future for our children, we must work together to achieve these key priorities. Throughout my career — and every day as Attorney General — I work hard to bring people together, solve problems, and get things done for Pennsylvania. As Governor, I will continue to do just that so that we can solve our biggest problems — because that’s how we will deliver results for people across our Commonwealth and move Pennsylvania forward.
Answer to question 2: Defending democracy is the foundation for making progress in Pennsylvania. I believe that if we want to grow our economy, improve our schools, and make our communities safer, then we need a stable democracy where all Pennsylvanians’ voices can be heard. As Governor, I will continue my work to ensure voters have access to the ballot box and that every legal vote is counted in every election. That’s why I released a ten-step plan to defend democracy, ensure access to the ballot, and improve our elections by appointing a pro-democracy Secretary of State, allowing counties to pre-canvass and cure ballots, establishing automatic voter registration and early in-person voting, and vetoing any attempt to restrict mail-in voting in Pennsylvania.
Answer to question 3: Throughout my entire career, I have worked to defend Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air and pure water — and as Governor, I will continue that work by investing in clean energy and clean transportation, adopting the 2020 Grand Jury Report recommendations to minimize health hazards arising from fracking, plugging orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells, and addressing lead contamination in order to keep protecting Pennsylvania’s environment. As Governor, my priority will be ensuring Pennsylvania has a comprehensive climate and energy policy that protects consumers, creates jobs, capitalizes on our strength as an energy hub, safeguards our environment, and moves our Commonwealth forward.
Answer to question 4: Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe at home, at school, and in their community – and I know we can achieve that while upholding Pennsylvanians’ rights and traditions. Throughout my career, I have worked with my colleagues in law enforcement and with local communities across our Commonwealth to fight gun violence and keep Pennsylvanians safe, taking thousands of illegal guns off our streets, shutting down gun trafficking rings, and working to close the ghost gun loophole. As Governor, I will support common sense gun legislation to close background check loopholes, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, and work with the legislature to increase funding for gun safety training programs.
Republican
LOU BARLETTA
Luzerne County
Did not respond
Website: www.loubarletta.com
Republican
DOUGLAS V. MASTRIANO
Franklin County
Education: PhD, History; Masters Strategic Intelligence; Masters Airpower Theory; Masters Military Operational Art; Masters Strategic Studies, Bachelor of Arts, History
Occupation: Senator
Qualifications: 1986-Commissioned in the US Army, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2ACR) on the Iron Curtain, 2ACR Desert Storm in Iraq, Afghanistan (three deployments), Senior leader of NATO unit in Afghanistan comprised of 18 nations, Award winning author, Professor of Army War College (Carlisle)
Answer to question 1: Infrastructure, Energy Production, Road / Transportation Improvements, School Choice, the Right to Life
Answer to question 2: Voter ID, Poll Watcher Protection, Increased Penalties for violating voting law, Repeal Act 77
Answer to question 3: I’m an Eagle Scout and respect the environment — we are stewards of the land
Answer to question 4: Uphold the constitutional protections delineated in our state and federal constitutions
Website: www.doug4gov.com
Republican
NCHE ZAMA
Northampton County
Did not respond
Website: www.zamaforpa.com
Republican
DAVE WHITE
Delaware County
Did not respond
Website: www.davewhiteforgovernor.com
Republican
MELISSA HART
Allegheny County
Education: J.D. University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Washington & Jefferson College
Occupation: Attorney and Consultant
Qualifications: Attorney and former State Senator and Congresswoman with significant accomplishments and coalition building as a Republican from a Democratic district
Answer to question 1: Cut bureaucracy, end regulatory overreach, and work with the legislature to effect change — cut out excessive use of executive orders and constitutional amendments. Have respect for the process developed by the Founders.
Answer to question 2: Repeal Act 77 and clarify that our voting system be compliant with the PA constitution allowing for voting on election day in person and also by absentee ballot for voters who qualify, to be received by mail or delivery by the voter by election day at the board of elections with an absentee ballot that a voter must apply for in advance, voter ID must be instituted. No delivery other than by the voter or by the post office should be permitted, that is no “drop boxes” or other places that are not secure.
Answer to question 3: Enforce regulations that are designed to allow development and industry with an eye to long term impact on air water and the environment. We must balance our responsibilities to maintain our beautiful state with the people’s needs for a robust economic environment. If we do this, we will see more advances in clean energy production and environmentally sensitive development because Pennsylvanians will be able to create and develop new technologies with resources from a robust economic environment.
Answer to question 4: I support the 2nd amendment and a citizen’s rights to own firearms. Communities and organizations offer safety courses for young and old all over the commonwealth. I am supportive of these and have participated in them.
PA currently has laws requiring background checks.
Website: HartforPA.org
Republican
BILL McSWAIN
Chester County
Did not respond
Website: billmcswain.com
Republican
CHARLIE GEROW
Cumberland County
Education: JD Villanova Law School
Occupation: Businessman
Qualifications: Business owner, vice chairman of CPAC
Answer to question 1: My priorities will be a thriving economy, a great education system and election integrity. I will do as I have always done, building coalitions and finding common ground to find winning solutions to the challenges we face.
Answer to question 2: I would sign a law to repeal Act 77. I will appoint a Secretary of the Commonwealth who is both experienced in conducting elections and fully committed to the rule of law.
Answer to question 3: The constitutional guarantees of Article 1, Section 27 are vital to the future of Pennsylvania. As governor, I will appoint cabinet and agency officials committed to the protection of our environment and good stewards of our natural resources.
Answer to question 4: I am deeply committed to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Pennsylvanians gun owners as well as Article 1 Section 21 of the Pennsylvania constitution.
Website: charlieforgovernor.com
Republican
JOE GALE
Montgomery County
Did not respond
Website: www.joegale.com
Republican
JAKE CORMAN
Centre County
Education: Jake received an Associates Degree from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and then a Bachelor of Arts from the Pennsylvania State University.
Occupation: President Pro Tempore, Pennsylvania State Senate
Qualifications: Dedicating his life to public service, Jake built a reputation as a champion for personal freedoms, education, creating jobs, public safety and as a strong fiscal watchdog for Pennsylvania taxpayers, defeating all of Tom Wolf’s tax increases.
Campaign Website: www.cormanforpa.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CormanForPA
Twitter: twitter.com/CormanForPA
Answer to question 1: Election reform, education, jobs and public safety. I have a track record of working with members of my own party and Democrats to forge compromise. As Americans, we must be committed to a government that seeks compromise, while also fighting for what we believe to be right. I’ve been able to help Pennsylvania make historic investments in the education of our children, while defeating tax increases that would hurt working families. We negotiated my pension reform bill with a Democrat governor but defeated tax increase proposals. We can’t be ruled by partisanship and talking points; we have to be willing to roll up our sleeves and get things done. When I’m governor, I’ll get to work immediately with our legislature and put people first.
Answer to question 2: If we don’t have faith in our elections, we have nothing. That’s why I launched our review of the 2020 election in a transparent fashion. Gov. Tom Wolf ignored Act 77 by giving illegal, last-second directions to county voting offices on mail-in ballots. This behavior led two counties in one senatorial district to tabulate votes differently and change the outcome of an election. Our Supreme Court, outside of their judicial mandate, added unsecured ballot drop boxes. As governor, I will support reform legislation that eliminates drop boxes, institutes photo ID requirements, and ends what has been a disastrous, no-excuse mail-in-ballot program.
Answer to question 3: I have a strong track record of supporting our environment and natural resources, namely Pennsylvania’s landmark Growing Greener program. In June 2002, we doubled the funding to over a half billion dollars. In doing so, we’ve cleaned up abandoned mines; funded local parks and trails; expanded farmland preservation and protected some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful open spaces. I believe we have a responsibility to be guardians of our natural resources.
Answer to question 4: Further gun control measures concentrate more power in the hands of government. If we go down the path of giving government more authority to decide who can and cannot possess a firearm, that’s a slippery slope that could seriously erode our Second Amendment rights. We all want safer streets and safer communities. Our prosecutors must be committed to prosecuting criminals who commit crimes with guns, not let them walk free like we’re seeing in Philadelphia with District Attorney Larry Krasner and his soft-on-crime mentality.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Description of office: The lieutenant governor will be elected jointly with the governor in the general election although candidates are nominated separately in the primary. A lieutenant governor must be at least 30 years old and have been a U.S. citizen and resident of the state for seven years preceding the election. S/he is president of the Senate, presiding over the Senate but having no vote unless the Senate is equally divided. S/he is chair of the Board of Pardons and the PA Emergency Management Council. The PA Constitution provides that in case of the death, conviction or impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation or other disability of the governor, the powers, duties and compensation of the office shall be transferred to the lieutenant governor for the remainder of the term or until the disability is removed. There are no term limits to this office.
Term: 4 years
Salary: $178,940
Vote for ONE.
Candidates for Lt. Governor were asked the same questions as the candidates for Governor.
Democratic
AUSTIN DAVIS
Allegheny County
Did not respond
Website: joshshapiro.org/austin/
Democratic
RAY SOSA
Montgomery County
Education: Leadership Certified, Harvard University. BS in Business Administration. Insurance licensed in all 50 states (8 lines of authority)
Occupation: Consultant to Management
Qualifications: Ray has been appointed by three different US Governors to lead districts in coordinating Emergency Management Response. Ray was the Chairman of the Governor’s Human Rights Advocacy Committee for 10 years, fighting for hospitals, juvenile justice centers, foster care, equality, and nursing homes.
Answer to question 1: Criminal Justice Reform, have a fairer bond regulation that does not impact our minority, and indigent population, and meritory commutations of sentences with a path to rehabilitation. Revamping our emergency response system and infrastructure to withstand a natural disaster due to climate change. I have 15 years of experience reaching across the aisle to get legislation signed into law. As the future president of PA senate, I would be the peacekeeper of the senate. Keeping in mind that the PA Lt. Governor is the Lt. Governor for everyone, there are plenty of opportunities to create good will if I allow everyone regardless of political party to share their points and voice their opinions. That’s how you get things done!
Answer to question 2: There is a growing trend in PA where electoral maps are being challenged and redrawn to benefit only one party. There is also a trend to restrict the manner in which you choose to cast your vote. I would oppose any law that seeks to limit voting rights or represents an attempt at voter suppression. Our focus must be in facilitation and extending our voting options to defend our constitutional right to cast our vote. This is regardless of the party you belong to.
Answer to question 3: I believe that our incumbents have not paid any attention to our air and water quality for the last 10 years, at least. The water quality in most of our major cities is deplorable and as a result the air quality is disastrous as well. It has come to a point that most water resources are unusable and represent a threat to the health of the population. I would support legislation that aggressively imposes fines for polluters in the state. I would also support funding for programs that actively reverse the damage. I consider this well within the duties of the Lt. Governor as the chair for the Emergency Management Commission for the state. Our water and air quality is an emergency and it should be treated as such.
Answer to question 4: I believe that while we all have the right to bear arms, it should be contingent on a background check to assess criminal or violent behavior history. I am a firm believer in keeping military style weapons away from the general population, banning “Ghost Guns” and any attachments that could be used to make a regular weapon automatic. Firearms safety courses should be mandatory and we should eliminate the “Gun Show Loop”. As a society we must balance the rights of our community with the safety of our people.
Website: raysosaltgov2022.com
Democratic
BRIAN SIMS
Philadelphia County
Education: J.D. in International and Comparative Law, Michigan State University College of Law; B.S., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Occupation: Pennsylvania State House Representative (D-182)
Qualifications: I’ve served as a PA Rep. for a decade. I worked as a disability and civil rights attorney and served as staff counsel at the Philadelphia Bar Association. I also served as the president of the board of directors of Equality Pennsylvania and as the chairman of Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia.
Answer to question 1: The Lt. Governor serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Senate and chairs the Board of Pardons. Pennsylvania needs a progressive President of the Senate who knows how to operate in, under, and around Republican rules to stop the onslaught of bigoted and discriminatory legislation from advancing and promote the passage of equity-focused legislation. I will be the first civil rights attorney to chair the Board of Pardons and will work towards decarceration. Our state has unjustly imprisoned far too many individuals, and while the deeply racist and classist roots of our criminal justice system make reforming it impossible, the Board of Pardons is one of the few places where we can bring justice to those who are falsely imprisoned.
Answer to question 2: I’ve spent a decade fighting for legislation to ensure access to the ballot for all. I’m a member of the State Government committee — the committee that passes laws regarding elections — and I’ve sponsored legislation to create early voting, expand vote by mail, and make registration easier. I’m the prime sponsor of a package of bills that aim to make voting more accessible for returning citizens. As Lt. Governor I’ll stand against voter suppression laws that come through the Senate and will use the statewide platform to push for early voting, automatic voter registration, election day as a public holiday, and the re-enfranchisement of returning citizens. I’ll do everything in my power to protect and expand voting rights for all Pennsylvanians.
Answer to question 3: I am the only candidate in the race for Lt. Governor that is against fracking. Pennsylvanians deserve clean air and water, and the continuation of fracking in our Commonwealth is in direct opposition to that goal. I am the proud sponsor of HB 100 which aims to transition Pennsylvania to one hundred percent renewable energy by 2050. Our state needs to invest in renewable energy sources and green infrastructure in order to complete the transition away from fossil fuel dependence. As Lt. Governor, I will work with Democratic leaders in the Senate and the Governor to eliminate fracking in the Commonwealth and pass necessary legislation like HB100 that will transition Pennsylvania to one hundred percent renewable energy sources.
Answer to question 4: With a gun violence epidemic affecting families across Pennsylvania, we desperately need comprehensive background checks and safety training. I support the enforcement of red flag laws, lost-gun reporting laws, eliminating straw purchases, and comprehensive background checks to decrease the likelihood that guns fall into the wrong hands. I am the prime sponsor of HB393 which would only allow licensed firearms dealers to sell ammunition and businesses to use existing licenses to sell both firearms and ammunition. Nearby states have passed such laws, and there is no reason Pennsylvania cannot do the same. As Lt. Governor, I will work with members of our legislature to curb gun violence so that our Commonwealth is a safer place for all.
Website: sims4pa.com
Republican
CLARICE SCHILLINGER
Montgomery County
Did not respond
Website: www.clariceforpa.com
Republican
JAMES EARL JONES
Montgomery County
Education: BS/MBA
Occupation: Petroleum Consultant
Qualifications: Military Retired/Businessman
Answer to question 1: I would prioritize legislation and laws to focus on the economy, environment, education and energy programs. Economy: use various measures to control and regulate both private and public sectors. Environment: support legislation to protect jobs and industry while reducing threats to the environment and increasing public health. Education: allow for school choice in providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education. Energy: support governmental actions affecting the production, distribution, and consumption of energy in a business manner. As President of the Senate, I would advocate meeting with both the Senate leaders and the House of Representative leaders of both parties on a monthly basis.
Answer to question 2: To me, voting is a sacred American right. In the Pennsylvania Constitution, Article 7 is clear on how voting in the Commonwealth is conducted. After the 2020 election, I see the need to push for more restrictive voting laws (such as voter identification) designed to protect against accusations that future elections will not be stolen with fraud and against security failures. Also, due to issues created with Act 77, I would support an RFP (Request for Proposal) to address specific gaps or complaints discovered in the current electronic machines to increase voter integrity. I will work to protect our right to vote and protect our election systems from partisan or foreign interference, and help build trust in our democracy.
Answer to question 3: One of the pillars of my campaign is protection of the Commonwealth’s environment and our natural resources. I would urge the Governor to remove the job killing REGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) and any other obstructive legislation. Regulations protecting our natural resources must be (1) compliant with all applicable statutes relevant to the protection of the public’s natural resources (2) demonstrate a reasonable effort to reduce the environmental incursion to a minimum (3) more beneficial in reducing environmental harm than the costs incurred implementing the regulations. I would push for improving technology and educating the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) on the best measures to safeguard our natural resources.
Answer to question 4: The language is clear in Article I, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania State Constitution, stating: “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned”. Additionally, the US Constitution, 2nd Amendment states those rights “shall not be infringed”. My position on red flag laws is they are unconstitutional. I am in favor of gun merchants and local law enforcement background checks and individual requested firearm safety training programs.
Website: www.jonesforltgovernorpa.com
Republican
RICK SACCONE
Allegheny County
Did not respond
Website: www.rickforlg.com
Republican
JOHN BROWN
Northampton County
Did not respond
Website: johnbrownforpa.com
Republican
CHRIS FRYE
Lawrence County
Education: Bachelors from Gannon University in Social Work and Masters from University of Pittsburgh in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organizing and Social Administration
Occupation: Mayor (New Castle, PA)
Qualifications: Current mayor (New Castle), responsible for day-to-day management of employees; chief executive, proposes & manages $26M budget; 15 years of executive/management experience; serves on executive and legislative committees Municipal League; workforce development & juvenile probation experience.
Answer to question 1: As lieutenant governor, my role would be to primarily work to advance the governor’s agenda. However, it is my desire to work as a conduit between the governor’s office and the more than 2,500 municipalities. I know, first hand, as mayor of a Pennsylvania municipality, that Harrisburg often disregards us. They never ask what we need. They pass unfunded mandates and leave us to fend for ourselves. I will support and push an agenda that take into consideration the effects legislation has on local communities. As mayor, I have an agenda, but that agenda is based in large part on input from the community. I take a bottoms up approach. Listen to the voters & community so they can help shape the agenda and have a stake & say-so in their community.
Answer to question 2: I support limiting mail in ballots. I support requiring ID to vote. I support auditing to be sure that we have integrity in our elections.
Answer to question 3: I believe in legislation that protects our environment; however, we must allow the private sector to tap into our natural resources, specifically our energy resources, to bring in new revenue sources and lower the tax burden on our taxpayers. I am not opposed to limited government oversight to insure that our environment is not destroyed, however, I do not believe a large government bureaucracy that regulates an industry into the ground is what we need.
Answer to question 4: I support the second amendment and am myself a conceal carry permit holder. I believe that the government has no right to interfere with our right to bear arms. I am not opposed to limited laws that are truly intended to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. However, I would fight against legislation that makes it hard for good, law abiding citizens to purchase fire arms. We cannot allow the minority (criminals) to dictate our laws.
Website: www.CitizensForChrisFrye.com
Republican
JEFF COLEMAN
Cumberland County
Education: BS, Liberty University
Occupation: Principal, Churchill Strategies
Qualifications: Small business owner, former borough councilman, former two-term state representative
Answer to question 1: The centerpiece of my campaign has been the urgent need to restore civil discourse in our public dialogue. While the lieutenant governor’s role in policy is limited to the priorities of the governor, I believe there is a need to expand the participation of parents in the education of their children, offer a renewed vision for struggling small towns, and create a path to work, community, and good citizenship for ex-offenders.
Answer to question 2: Maintaining — and in too many cases, restoring — public confidence in our electoral process is a challenge that can be addressed in a level-headed, bipartisan way free of rancor over past or looming elections. I am confident that with the right leadership Pennsylvania can do this without sacrificing our centuries-old tradition of welcoming the vote of every citizen.
Answer to question 3: As a son of rural Pennsylvania I am deeply aware of the beauty of our environment and the harm that has been done in the past exploiting natural resources. It is a core mission of government to properly balance the obligation to protect the environment with the need to ensure that farmers are not harmed and the economic life of small communities is not destroyed.
Answer to question 4: I support the provisions of the federal and state constitutions outlining the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership, which I do not believe to be inconsistent with maintaining public safety. While the lieutenant governor has no vote on these or other policy issues-outside of breaking a tie on procedural votes-I am a strong advocate for promoting of safe, responsible use of firearms.
Website: www.Colemanforpa.com
Republican
RUSS DIAMOND
Lebanon County
Did not respond
Website: russdiamond.vote
Republican
CARRIE LEWIS DELROSSO
Allegheny County
Education: University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Member of State House of Representatives
Qualifications: Oakmont Council Member 2018-2020; State House Member 2021
Answer to question 1: Lower CNIT- Push for PA to more attractive state to manufacture and produce; Provide a better return on investment with k-12 education; Fully fund law enforcement; Fully fund infrastructure; Secure Elections; Promote Ag Growth
Answer to question 2: Voter ID; Provide a more efficient system for early/absentee voting and deadlines; Voter Confidence -ballot security
Answer to question 3: Promote energy growth and independence in PA while always mindful of our environment.
Answer to question 4: Protect our 2nd Amendment; right to people to bear arms
Website: www.CarrieForPA.com
Republican
TEDDY DANIELS
Wayne County
Did not respond
Website: teddydanielspa.com
This story was originally published May 1, 2022 at 6:00 AM.