Row Officers Sworn In

Pennsylvania’s three statewide row officers were sworn into office last week, marking the first time in more than seven decades that Republicans hold all three positions.

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Auditor General Tim DeFoor began their second terms, while Attorney General Dave Sunday took office for his first term, during back-to-back ceremonies at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg.

Treasurer Garrity highlighted her office’s work in spearheading initiatives around unclaimed property and higher education and disability-related savings plans. She also spoke about Pennsylvania’s potential in energy, manufacturing, and education. Auditor General DeFoor, whose office prioritized training the next generation of auditors during his first term, noted his focus on improving government operations and fostering financial literacy.

During his remarks, Attorney General Sunday spoke about his approach to criminal justice, stressing “accountability and redemption” for offenders. He also pointed to the success of the Clean Slate program, which the PA Chamber helped  enact and encourages individuals to enter the workforce by providing for the automatic sealing of old criminal records for eligible individuals who remain crime-free for a set period of time. Sunday, the former York County district attorney, said his office will prioritize mental health services and addiction treatment in its criminal justice reform efforts.

Pennsylvania’s statewide row officers play key roles in the state’s governance. The Treasurer is responsible for managing state funds and overseeing several programs administered by Treasury. The Auditor General conducts audits of state agencies, local governments, and school districts to ensure fiscal accountability. The Attorney General is the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer, responsible for prosecuting crimes, defending state policies, and overseeing legal matters for the Commonwealth.

All three ceremonies were attended by special guests, including Governor Josh Shapiro, political and business leaders from across the state, and former Pennsylvania governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Corbett. PA Chamber President & CEO Luke Bernstein was the master of ceremonies for Auditor General DeFoor’s inauguration, during which he praised DeFoor for his collaborative spirit – as well as being the first actual auditor in state history elected as Auditor General.

These officers will play an important role in shaping the Commonwealth’s fiscal policy and governance as they work with Governor Shapiro and the legislature in a divided government.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.