Erin Mcclelland and Stacy Garrity Credit: CP Illustration: Jeff Schreckengost

Treasurer
The treasurer is Pennsylvania’s chief banker, responsible for managing state funding, handling pensions, and investing state savings. Following Allegheny County resident Erin McClelland’s surprise victory in this year’s primary, she faces Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity and three third-party challengers. McClelland has notably criticized Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro, who then declined to endorse her in the general election. Garrity has a sizeable fundraising advantage.

Erin Mcclelland
Biography

Grew up in unspecified “working-class steel mill town on the outskirts of Allegheny County.” Pitt and Chatham grad. Worked as substance abuse counselor and contracted with Allegheny County DHS. Democratic nominee for old Pa.-12 in 2014 and 2016 (lost) and 2023 candidate for Alleghheny County Executive.

State use of $

Supports tariffs to prevent state money from being spent in China. Wants greater supply-chain and contract oversight to ensure compliance with and implementation of Biden’s federal policies and to strengthen local manufacturing. Interested in “exploring” publicly held banks.

State Pensions

Rejects calls to privatize state pensions. Calls Garrity-supported Keystone Saves program a “scam.” Warns against self-directed IRAs as prone to fraud.

Unclaimed Property

Says Garrity “politicized” treasurer’s office while handling unclaimed property well and says she has had trouble claiming $3,000 owed to her by the treasury.

Stacy Garrity
Biography

Incumbent. Grew up in Bradford County. Decorated combat veteran and Army Reserve colonel (ret.). Bloomsburg and Cornell grad. Worked in metallurgy. Defeated Democrat Joe Tornella in an upset in 2020. Supports Donald Trump and has questioned 2020 election results.

State use of $

Created Treasury Transparency Portal with goal of making taxpayer money easier to follow. Says “there is no excuse for anything less than 100% transparency.” Supports Pa. 529 college savings accounts and Pa. Able program. Transitioned state to new unemployment benefits system. Invested state money in Israeli bonds after Oct. 7.

State Pensions

Wants “tax-deductible 401k-style” pension fund. Took steps to reduce waste and fees in two biggest state pension funds. Has reallocated pension money from hedge funds into more stable investments.

Unclaimed Property

Claims record in returning $274 million in unclaimed property to citizens in 2023 fiscal year. Advocates for legislation to make it easier for Pa. to return unclaimed property to owners. Frequently addressed unclaimed property on campaign stops through all Pa. counties.

Third Parties
Biography

Troy Bowman (Constitution): Lancaster County resident. Chris Foster (Forward): Pittsburgher. Marist College grad. Former pro tennis player and real estate professional. Nickolas Ciesielski (Libertarian): Hempfield resident. CMU grad. Westmoreland Libertarian Party chair. Libertarian Bitcoin Caucus founder.

State use of $

Bowman: Unknown Foster: Pledges “apolitical” use of office to conduct audits and provide transparency on state spending. Ciesielski: Unknown

State Pensions

Bowman: Unknown Foster: Says Keystone Saves “cannot come soon enough” and wants to ensure low barrier to access. Ciesielski: “I do not believe that this needs to be done through a government-administered program.” Supports small-business resource pooling.

Unclaimed Property

Bowman: Unknown Foster: Pledges to “simplify processes, boost public awareness, and expand outreach.” Ciesielski: Calls state system “straightforward” and supports educating voters on its availability.