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PA Chamber Sponsors First GOP Gubernatorial Debate of the Year

Thirteen candidates vying for the Republican nomination for governor took to the stage at Dickinson College last Wednesday for the first gubernatorial debate of 2022. The PA Chamber of Business and Industry was a sponsor of the debate which aired statewide on PCN. PA Chamber Director of Political Engagement Allison Coccia served as a moderator, alongside former State Rep. Becky Corbin and Broad and Liberty CEO Terry Tracy.

The 90-minute debate allowed candidates to introduce themselves to Pennsylvania voters and briefly address key issues including economic competitiveness, the workforce and job creation, energy, infrastructure, education and governing.

If you missed the debate, you can watch the recording on PCN’s website.

Participating in the debate were:

  • Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry CEO Guy Ciarrocchi;
  • State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman of Centre County;
  • GOP strategist and Quantum Communications CEO Charlie Gerow of Cumberland County;
  • Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale;
  • Former U.S. Attorney William McSwain of Delaware County;
  • Allegheny County lawyer Jason Richey;
  • Former Delaware County Council member Dave White;
  • Nche Zama, a cardiothoracic surgeon, of Monroe County;
  • Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart of Allegheny County;
  • State Sen. Scott Martin of Lancaster County;
  • Lehigh Valley businessman Shawn Berger;
  • Former Corry, Erie County, official Jason Monn; and
  • Retired UPS executive John Ventre of Westmoreland County.

Former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta declined to attend, saying he will not participate in forums or debates — other than a Feb. 4 event sponsored by the state Republican Party — until candidates have qualified to be on the ballot. State Sen. Doug Mastriano was also invited to participate but declined. Mastriano formally announced his candidacy on Saturday.

The debate was also sponsored by online media organization Broad and Liberty; the Keystone Free Enterprise Fund; and GOP SuperPAC Protect PA.

The deadline for candidates to file ballot paperwork is Tuesday, March 8. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 17.

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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.