Corman ends campaign, supports Barletta in Pa. GOP governor race

May 12—HARRISBURG — Lou Barletta picked up the endorsement of an opponent in the Republican gubernatorial primary election, Jake Corman, as the two called on party members to unite behind a candidate who can beat Democrat Josh Shapiro in the fall.

The announcement Thursday morning in Harrisburg comes on the heels of reports by the Associated Press and the Philadelphia Inquirer that Republican party leaders are concerned that state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who's leading in the latest polls, won't pull in swing votes needed to overcome the statewide edge Democrats have in registered voters.

There are just five days until the May 17 primary election, and Corman acknowledged his announcement to end his candidacy and support Barletta may have come late. However, he also noted that Republicans have lost four of the past five gubernatorial elections in Pennsylvania.

"The only way I think we will not be successful in the fall is if we stay divided and nominate someone that can't possibly win," Corman said, describing his move as one of leadership and putting the party first.

Trafalgar Group polled 1,080 likely Republican primary voters between May 6-8. Mastriano was the front-runner at 27.6% followed by Barletta at 17.6%, businessman Dave White at 15.1%, and former federal prosecutor Bill McSwain at 14.4%.

Corman came in behind the four at 5.3% followed by candidates Melissa Hart, Joe Gale and Charlie Gerow. Another 11.3% of those surveyed indicated they're undecided. A ninth candidate, Dr. Nche Zama, didn't register any support in the poll.

In a prepared statement, McSwain's campaign manager, James Fitzpatrick, was critical of Corman's decision but said it wasn't unsuspected.

"It's no surprise that career politician Jake Corman, who implemented the highest gas tax in America, has chosen to endorse fellow career politician Lou Barletta, who is also a steadfast supporter of higher gas taxes. Alliances between career politicians will do nothing but protect the status quo in Harrisburg," Fitzpatrick said. "It's time for a conservative outsider to end this nonsense. Bill McSwain will beat Josh Shapiro this fall and conservatives should immediately rally around his candidacy."

Both Barletta and Corman avoided any criticisms of Mastriano and his campaign. And, both said they'd support whoever ultimately wins the party nod. Corman, whose name will be on the ballot, said he asked his mother to vote for Barletta.

For his part, Barletta said there is little "daylight" between the candidates on policy issues, indicating supporters of Mastriano could find common ground with Barletta's own positions.

A former mayor of Hazleton and U.S. congressman, Barletta championed his past victories over Democrats and said he's built a statewide network of support in his political career, even with a failed bid at U.S. Senate.

Barletta voted to be pro-business, pro-entrepreneur, support Pennsylvania's energy sector, pull the state's membership from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and support school choice.

With nine candidates on the ballot, Barletta said support has been fractured. He may not be a voter's first, second or third choice. However, he said the party is united behind not allowing Shapiro to win in the Nov. 8 general election.

"There is no question that as the Republican nominee, I have what it takes to beat Josh Shapiro," Barletta said. "When people go into that booth, and they vote who will give us the best candidate to win, I think some of those decisions will be made on Election Day."

Corman announced in April he would end his campaign but stopped short of dropping out after saying former President Donald Trump encouraged him to stay in the race. This time, Corman said he didn't talk with Trump about throwing his support behind Barletta and said the "president decided not to endorse in this race."

Despite the move by Corman, Barletta said he hasn't spoken with other Republican gubernatorial candidates about making the same move. He doesn't expect any to do so, either.