Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks at a Big Fights Bus Tour stop in North Philadelphia, PA, USA on November 5, 2022. (Shutterstock)
By BallotWire
2022
In the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election held on November 8, 2022, Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro achieved a decisive victory over Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano. Shapiro received 56.5% of the total votes, amounting to 3,031,137, while Mastriano garnered 41.7%, totaling 2,238,477 votes. This significant win delivered a margin of nearly 15 percentage points, marking a historic moment for the Democratic Party. Shapiro’s victory represented the first time since 1844 that Democrats captured three consecutive governorships in Pennsylvania. Notably, he became the first gubernatorial candidate in the state's history to surpass three million votes.
Several key factors played a crucial role in shaping the results of this election. Shapiro's campaign successfully focused on critical voter concerns, notably advocating for the protection of abortion rights, the expansion of voting rights, and the push for a higher minimum wage of $15 an hour. He also proposed abolishing the death penalty, demonstrating a progressive viewpoint on criminal justice matters. In contrast, Mastriano's campaign, which aligned closely with former President Donald Trump, struggled under the weight of controversial stances, including unfounded claims related to the 2020 election outcome.
Various obstacles, such as limited fundraising and minimal media exposure, hampered Mastriano's campaign. This lack of visibility and perceptions of his extreme viewpoints restricted his appeal to a broader electorate.
Geographically, Shapiro performed exceptionally well in densely populated regions of southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. He also found success in areas like the Lehigh Valley and Greater Pittsburgh. Conversely, Mastriano managed to secure support from rural counties and some parts of western Pennsylvania. Still, his performance failed to match that of previous Republican candidates in these areas.
Demographically, Shapiro's support extended across various groups, with liberals backing him at a rate of 94%, moderates at 71%, and independents at 64%. Additionally, he received commendable support from women (63%), Black voters (92%), and Latino voters (72%). In contrast, Mastriano's most substantial backing came from conservatives (86%) and Republicans (83%).
Shapiro's significant victory margin also benefitted down-ballot Democrats in concurrent elections, contributing to Democratic advancements in the Pennsylvania state legislature. This electoral shift may influence future policy directions in key areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
In his victory address, Shapiro stressed the importance of unity and pledged to address the needs of all Pennsylvanians, emphasizing an inclusive approach to governance. His administration is expected to prioritize expanding economic opportunities, enhancing public education, and protecting individual rights.
Ultimately, the 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election reflects the state's changing political landscape, illustrating the electorate's preference for candidates who tackle urgent issues with practical and actionable solutions.