Midterms: Georgia, PA & Michigan Battlegrounds – FOX 29 Philadelphia

Midterms: Georgia, PA & Michigan Battlegrounds  FOX 29 Philadelphia

Incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity faced off on stage in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Oct. 7 for their first and only debate. S.E. Cupp and Bill Anderson discuss key races in Georgia and PA, historic bids by Black women and Michigan’s toss-up 7th District. HARRISBURG, PA. – Incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity faced off on stage in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for their first and only scheduled debate of the gubernatorial campaign. The pair traded sharp blows over state spending, education reforms, energy costs and the growing number of data centers in Pennsylvania, including their potential impact on electricity demand, utility costs and land use.

The debate also covered health care, vaccines and other issues as the candidates outlined competing visions for Pennsylvania. The debate highlighted contrasting approaches to the commonwealth's fiscal future. Shapiro pointed to his record of advancing four balanced budgets while maintaining roughly $8 billion in state reserves, including money in the Rainy Day Fund, accusing legislative Republicans of attempting to push through damaging budget cuts. Rising gas prices and high commuter costs across the Mid-Atlantic are hitting suburban and rural drivers hard, making transportation affordability a key issue for voters in the 2026 midterms. Garrity pushed back on this, saying, "You are not supposed