Last-minute money flows into PA governor’s race

Millions of dollars in last-minute political contributions have flowed into Pennsylvania’s race for governor in the final days of the midterm election cycle as candidates make their closing pitches to voters.  

Since Oct. 20, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has pulled in more than $3.5 million in late contributions, while the Republican nominee, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has reported more than $1.6 million in contributions over the same period, according to state campaign finance records. 

Pennsylvania campaign finance law allows candidates to accept late political contributions after the cycle's final fundraising period closes, but candidates must report contributions over $500 every 24 hours. 

During the 24-hour reporting period, Shapiro’s largest contributions have come from crypto billionaire Chris Larsen, who gave $600,000 to the incumbent governor on Oct. 22; the Democratic Governors Association, which contributed $500,000; and casino magnate Neil G. Bluhm, who gave Shapiro $250,000. The Laborers’ International Union of North America PAC also gave Shapiro a $250,000 contribution toward the end of October, and the American Federation of Teachers provided the governor with a $150,000 contribution. 

Other notable late contributors to Shapiro include former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen; Dan Hilferty, the chair and CEO of Comcast Spectacor; and Christina Weiss-Lurie, a minority owner of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Garrity has pulled in late-arriving donations from the skill games industry, receiving two six-figure contributions from the Pennsylvania Amusement and Music Machine Association, which represents operators and businesses in the state’s coin-operated amusement industry. PAMMA contributed $600,000 to Garrity’s campaign on Oct. 20, and another $250,000 the next day. 

The Republican nominee also received contributions from individuals who have worked in the gaming industry, including $100,000 from Arthur Diebler and $50,000 from Michael Mangerie – both of whom have faced criminal charges related to the operation of illegal gambling devices. 

Additionally, the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania gave Garrity $445,747 on Oct. 29. 

Prior to the start of 24-hour reporting, the last pre-election campaign finance reports in the gubernatorial race were due on Oct. 23. During that reporting period, which covered Sept. 15 through Oct. 19, Shapiro raised $8.6 million, while Garrity raised over $5.3 million.

Garrity’s largest contributions in that period came from PAMMA, which contributed $2 million to her campaign on Oct. 15. She received another $2 million from John D. Conley of Pinnacle Vending on Oct. 13. Conley and his father, video poker kingpin John F. Conley, were accused last year of leading an “illegal gambling enterprise” that made millions through the distribution of illegal gambling machines, though neither Conley was charged, according to Spotlight PA. 

Over the same reporting period, Shapiro pulled in six-figure contributions from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, AFT Pennsylvania, the Democratic Governors Association, former Erie Insurance Group CEO Thomas Hagen and 84 Lumber owner Maggie Hardy. Hagen and Hardy each contributed $500,000 to Shapiro’s campaign.

Shapiro has vastly outraised Garrity throughout the 2026 election cycle. Since 2025, Shapiro has reported more than $63.7 million in total contributions, compared to Garrity, who has reported $10.6 million in contributions since the beginning of 2025.