Scott Wagner wins Republican endorsement for Pennsylvania governor
Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner and his running mate, Jeff Bartos, were endorsed Saturday by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania at its winter meeting in Hershey.
“I'm honored the Republican State Committee today made the courageous decision to support our campaign to change the status quo in Harrisburg,” Wagner said in a statement following the voice vote.
“These hardworking people will be key in spreading our message across the Commonwealth in the months to come, and I'm glad to have them on my team,” said Wagner, a state senator from York County. “Together, we are going to unite this party, defeat Tom Wolf and turn control of Harrisburg back over to the people.”
Also running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in May are Pittsburgh health care consultant Paul Mango and Laura Ellsworth, a Pittsburgh attorney.
“Paul respects the State Committee, but unlike the other insider candidates in the field, Paul is an outsider who has not spent years forging relationships with the State Committee,” said Mango adviser Matt Beynon.
“Paul is committed to continue building relationships with the State Committee, but is equally committed to taking his outsider message to all Pennsylvania Republican voters. The success of Paul Mango's fundraising, resulting in over $5.5 million in the bank, assures that Paul will have the resources necessary to take his message of bringing our jobs and our kids back to all corners of the Commonwealth.”
Ellsworth, could not be reached immediately for comment.
State House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, dropped out Saturday shortly before endorsement vote was taken. Bartos, a Montgomery County real estate developer, said the endorsement is a critical first step in the mission to unseat Wolf.
“I'm incredibly humbled to have the party's support and am looking forward to spending the coming weeks and months continuing to bring people together.
“Scott and I know the important role those who cast their ballots for us today will play in the campaign, and we pledge to work tirelessly for them so we can bring growth and prosperity back to Pennsylvania.”
Suzanne Elliott is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at selliott@tribweb.com or via Twitter @41Suzanne.
