Pennsylvania candidates hold heavy campaigning night in Pittsburgh area

The political spotlight was on Western Pennsylvania Friday.

It kicked off early in the evening when political heavyweight Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined PA Republican Gubernatorial candidate State Sen. Doug Mastriano.

The rally at the Wyndham in Downtown Pittsburgh was the first major appearance by Mastriano in the Steel City. He began his address by listing perceived problems with current state leadership.

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“Your solution is Governor Doug Mastriano serving you here in Pennsylvania,” Mastriano said.

The G.O.P. hopeful touched on many issues including trans athletes, education, election integrity, immigration and beyond.

“On day one, I will rescind heavy regulation on the energy sector. We will drill in Pennsylvania,” he said to cheers.

DeSantis hit the podium some time later.

“We are going to elect Doug Mastriano to be Governor of Pennsylvania,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor candidate, Democrat Austin Davis, joined a group downtown today calling both men “dangerous.”

“DeSantis’ association with Mastriano means he is aligning himself with [an] extremist and spreading this disgusting hate across our commonwealth and our country,” Davis said.

DeSantis did not address those comments. He did call for Republican unity.

“These are important races, and we need everyone on board. You know, the same thing in the senate race. I think people need to support Dr. Oz for senate,” he said.

Friday evening, we spoke one-on-one with Dr. Mehmet Oz as he visited the Washington County Fair.

“I’m hoping Governor DeSantis visits us in Philadelphia for an event later in the fall. I also am very confident the Republican Party is coming together,” Oz said. “There’s a sensibility in Western PA that I identify with — hard work, serving each other and you’ll succeed. That sensibility is the American dream.”

Oz also reiterated his call to debate opponent Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.

“A debate is a pretty good way of expressing this. You can ask me hard questions. I can ask him difficult, challenging questions,” Oz said.

Oz also addressed the now viral shopping video of him. He called focus on that a “distraction.”

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