Ahead of Pennsylvania’s 2026 gubernatorial election, Democratic incumbent Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity are offering different approaches to taxes, housing costs, jobs and energy policy. Both agree that residents face serious cost-of-living pressures, but differ sharply on the state government’s role and the policies needed to address them.
On taxes, Garrity supports lowering the state’s current 3.07% personal income tax rate, abolishing the inheritance tax, and reducing or eliminating the 5.9% gross receipts tax on utilities. She has not specified a target income tax rate, although Republicans have introduced legislation to reduce it to 2.8%. Shapiro instead emphasizes targeted assistance for working households, seniors and families with children rather than an across-the-board rate cut. During his tenure, he expanded the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, increased the child and dependent care tax credit to $600–$2,100, and introduced a worker tax credit of up to $805.
Their approaches to housing costs also differ. Through her “HOPE for PA” plan, Garrity proposes expanding state-funded property tax rebates and promises to reduce homeowners’ property tax burden to one-third of its current level within two years. She also proposes mortgage interest assistance of up to 3% and support for first-time homebuyers. Detailed eligibility rules and budget figures have not yet been released. Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan focuses on increasing housing supply, streamlining permits, helping first-time buyers, repairing older homes and protecting renters. He is pursuing a $1 billion housing construction infrastructure fund and increased support for home repairs.
The minimum wage is a central issue in economic and employment policy. Shapiro supports raising Pennsylvania’s hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $15, while Garrity opposes an increase and emphasizes market-based wage setting. Shapiro has also pursued simpler business permitting and occupational licensing to lower barriers for small businesses. Garrity favors reducing regulations, particularly for agriculture and small businesses, and argues that income and inheritance tax cuts would help family businesses and farms operate and pass to the next generation.
Both candidates view increased energy production as important for job creation and stable electricity prices, but differ on how to achieve it. Garrity emphasizes expanded natural gas development, looser environmental regulation, and faster approvals for pipelines and power plants. She says her “Turn Around PA” plan could create 200,000 jobs and cut utility bills by 15%–25%, but has not released a detailed supporting analysis. Shapiro favors diversifying electricity supply across natural gas, nuclear power and renewables. His “Lightning Plan” includes tax incentives for generation investments, streamlined permitting, clean-energy expansion and consumer assistance linked to power-plant emissions regulation.
The election will determine policy directions with direct consequences for residents’ taxes, housing costs, wages and electricity bills. Korean American voters in Philadelphia, Montgomery County and Bucks County should compare both the candidates’ proposals and the feasibility of carrying them out.
For election-related information or assistance, contact Woori Center at 267-951-5099 or info@wooricenterpa.org.