2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Pennsylvania

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
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Registration closed Oct. 19 and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is Oct. 27; there is no separate early in-person voting, but voters can request and cast a mail ballot at their county election office. Completed mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3; polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Pennsylvania · 2026

Governor

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) seeks a second term against Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R); Libertarian Ken Krawchuk is also on the ballot.

Download printable PDF ↓
Stacy Garrity
Republican · Challenger
Pennsylvania State Treasurer since 2021; retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel and former manufacturing executive.
Campaign website ↗
Josh Shapiro
Democrat · Incumbent
Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023; former two-term state attorney general and Montgomery County commissioner.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Stacy Garrity
Supports the U.S. war with Iran, saying it “was not started by President Trump” and “Iran may have started this war, but we will finish it.” As treasurer, increased state Israel Bonds holdings by $45 million.
Josh Shapiro
Opposes the U.S. war with Iran, calling it “the president’s war of choice, a war I do not support and have not supported,” and blames it for higher fuel prices.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Stacy Garrity
Calls for a pause on new data center development so communities can weigh in and update zoning; says data centers should supply their own power and water and residents should have the final say.
Josh Shapiro
Issued an executive order setting environmental, transparency and local-consent standards for new AI data centers; opposes a moratorium, saying developers must “earn the support of the local community first.”
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Stacy Garrity
Supports the 2025 federal reconciliation law; her campaign says its Medicaid changes crack down “on fraud, waste, abuse, and improper enrollment” and that she would strengthen provider screening and demand audits. Defended its tax provisions on tips, overtime and Social Security.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Stacy Garrity
Calls herself “100% pro-life” with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother; says she would respect current state law and not pursue an abortion ban. Opposes taxpayer-funded abortion.
Josh Shapiro
Supports keeping abortion “safe, legal, and accessible,” has pledged to veto new restrictions and wants abortion rights codified in state law. Praised a court ruling striking down the state’s Medicaid abortion-coverage ban.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Stacy Garrity
Says she supports “the law that’s on the books,” which authorizes capital punishment in Pennsylvania.
Josh Shapiro
Announced in 2023 that he will not sign execution warrants as governor and called on the legislature to abolish the death penalty.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Stacy Garrity
Says Pennsylvanians and officials should “cooperate” with ICE; her campaign says the state needs a governor who will work with the federal government, “not sue it.” Called Shapiro’s fight against ICE detention warehouses “grandstanding.”
Josh Shapiro
Has criticized ICE tactics, used state environmental law to block planned ICE detention warehouses, and called for an independent inspection of the Moshannon Valley facility. Says, “We do not do ICE’s work for them here in Pennsylvania.”
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Stacy Garrity
Supports Lifeline Scholarships, expanding the EITC and OSTC tax-credit scholarship programs, and opting Pennsylvania into the federal scholarship tax credit “on day one,” saying “parents need to be in control of their children’s education.”
Josh Shapiro
Has supported state voucher programs in the past but also vetoed them, and boosted funding for existing tax-credit scholarships; has not committed to opting into the federal scholarship tax credit, saying “prudence here makes the most sense.”
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Stacy Garrity
Would “lift the ban on new drilling sites,” fast-track permits for natural gas, pipelines and power plants, and “reform or pause renewable energy and efficiency mandates.”
Josh Shapiro
Supports an “all of the above” energy approach combining natural gas, nuclear and renewables; withdrew from the Wolf-era power plant carbon program while tightening some drilling disclosure standards.
Pennsylvania · 2026

U.S. House, District 1

Bucks County and part of Montgomery County. 2026).

Download printable PDF ↓
Brian Fitzpatrick
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2017; former FBI special agent and federal prosecutor.
Campaign website ↗
Bob Harvie
Democrat · Challenger
Bucks County commissioner since 2020; former high school social studies teacher and Falls Township supervisor.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Brian Fitzpatrick
Voted against Iran war powers resolutions in March and April 2026, then for those from May through September, saying “The world is a safer place after Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been degraded.” Supports Iran sanctions and opposes one-sided U.N. resolutions on Israel.
Voting record
Bob Harvie
Opposes the U.S. war with Iran, calling it “wrong” and “immoral and unacceptable,” and says he would hold any president accountable for putting American lives at risk.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Brian Fitzpatrick
Cosponsored the PRO Act of 2025 to strengthen union organizing rights. On AI data centers, his campaign says he supports “uniform federal regulations” and local resident control, and he cosponsored the Data Center Transparency Act.
Bob Harvie
Calls for a moratorium on new data centers and a ban on “AI-driven surveillance pricing” on groceries and other essential goods.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Bob Harvie
Calls health care “a right, not a privilege”; would permanently restore ACA premium tax credits, lower the Medicare age to 55 and protect Medicaid. Supports a $15 federal minimum wage.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Brian Fitzpatrick
Says he backs Pennsylvania’s current law allowing abortion through 24 weeks. Voted for a federal 20-week ban in 2017 and against the Women’s Health Protection Act, but for a bill protecting travel across state lines for abortion.
Bob Harvie
Says “women should be able to make their own reproductive healthcare choices.” As commissioner, supported a county amicus brief defending access to mifepristone; endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Brian Fitzpatrick
No public position found.
Bob Harvie
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Bob Harvie
Supports a “completely restructured” ICE with better officer training and pathways to citizenship for longtime undocumented residents. Opposed using county warehouses as federal detention centers.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brian Fitzpatrick
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Bob Harvie
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Brian Fitzpatrick
Says “Congress can and must do more to combat climate change”; introduced a bill replacing gas taxes with greenhouse gas emission fees and sponsored PFAS drinking-water limits.
Bob Harvie
Supports expanding clean energy and modernizing the grid. As commissioner, backed a goal of 100% renewable electricity for county facilities by 2035.
Pennsylvania · 2026

U.S. House, District 7

Lehigh Valley. Freshman Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) faces firefighter Bob Brooks (D). 2026).

Download printable PDF ↓
Bob Brooks
Democrat · Challenger
Former Bethlehem firefighter of 20 years; president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association.
Campaign website ↗
Ryan Mackenzie
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2025; former Pennsylvania state representative.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Bob Brooks
Calls the Iran war “illegal” and “reckless” and would rein in a president’s ability to enter conflicts unilaterally. Supports “supporting Ukraine and our NATO allies.”
Ryan Mackenzie
Voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran, saying he did not want to “take away the president’s leverage” during negotiations.
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Bob Brooks
Calls passage of the PRO Act a top priority, saying “Unions are what built the middle class.” Says the federal government “should never take the power to decide where a data center gets built.”
Ryan Mackenzie
As a state legislator, voted against a constitutional amendment protecting the right to organize and bargain collectively, and against unemployment benefits for striking workers.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Bob Brooks
Supports Medicare for All and would work to repeal the 2025 reconciliation law’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts. Would raise the federal minimum wage and index it to inflation.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Bob Brooks
Would “codify Roe v. Wade” and pass legislation to overturn state abortion bans; says the government has no place in personal medical decisions.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Bob Brooks
No public position found.
Ryan Mackenzie
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Bob Brooks
Supports a system that “deters illegal entry and secures our border, while treating people humanely,” more immigration judges, a streamlined path to citizenship and protections for DACA and TPS holders. Calls ICE crackdowns “un-American.”
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Bob Brooks
Opposes vouchers: “I will not support using federal money to hand vouchers to private schools while public schools are being starved.”
Ryan Mackenzie
As a state legislator, sponsored a bill funding K–12 scholarships for private schools in low-achieving districts and voted to expand tax-credit scholarship programs.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Bob Brooks
Calls for “taking on the climate crisis” with new nuclear and natural gas plants alongside renewables, and stricter federal oversight of pollution such as sewage sludge and mine refuse.
Pennsylvania · 2026

U.S. House, District 8

Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Freshman Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R) faces Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti (D). 2026).

Download printable PDF ↓
Rob Bresnahan
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2025; former CEO of a northeastern Pennsylvania electrical contracting company.
Campaign website ↗
Paige Cognetti
Democrat · Challenger
Mayor of Scranton since 2020.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Rob Bresnahan
Supports U.S. military action against Iran: “we cannot allow a dangerous regime to act without consequences.” Voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran.
Voting record
Paige Cognetti
Opposes the Iran war, saying “We don’t know what the goals are,” and objects to “sending our tax dollars overseas while our prices keep rising at home.”
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Rob Bresnahan
Introduced the Local Control Protection Act to limit corporate lawsuits over local denials of data centers. Broke with his party to vote to restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights.
Paige Cognetti
Wants to “make it easier to join and start a union.” On data centers, says “Big Tech needs to pay their own way,” with no tax breaks and local union hiring.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Rob Bresnahan
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law, which included Medicaid cuts; later voted to extend ACA premium subsidies for three years. Cosponsored a bill to raise the federal minimum wage indexed to cost of living.
Paige Cognetti
Opposes the 2025 reconciliation law’s Medicaid cuts, calling them “deep and damaging,” and supports fully funding ACA premium subsidies. Has advocated local authority to set higher minimum wages.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Rob Bresnahan
Introduced Eric’s Law, letting federal prosecutors seek a second sentencing jury in death penalty cases when the first jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.
Paige Cognetti
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Paige Cognetti
Says “We need that secure border” and opposes buying warehouses to detain immigrants. Supports pathways to citizenship for Dreamers and essential workers.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Rob Bresnahan
Supports “expanding school choice” and says the federal government can “incentivize school choice through federal funding.”
Paige Cognetti
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Rob Bresnahan
Voted to end Biden-era clean energy tax credits and supported ending EPA power-plant greenhouse gas rules; voted to expand oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Paige Cognetti
Called the Build Back Better Act “the kind of historic investment that we need to prevent the worst effects of climate change”; helped develop Scranton’s Climate Action Plan.
Pennsylvania · 2026

U.S. House, District 10

Harrisburg and York area. Rematch of 2024, which Perry won by about 5,000 votes. 9, 2026.

Download printable PDF ↓
Scott Perry
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2013; retired Pennsylvania Army National Guard brigadier general and former House Freedom Caucus chair.
Campaign website ↗
Janelle Stelson
Democrat · Challenger
Former longtime WGAL news anchor; 2024 Democratic nominee for this seat.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Scott Perry
Supports the Iran war and voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran; has said he hopes for a resolution soon.
Voting record
Janelle Stelson
Says she would “vote to end the war in Iran” and has linked the war to higher gas prices.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Janelle Stelson
Says communities should be able to reject data centers without being sued: “If communities do not want them, they should not be built.” Says “We need more union workers.”
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Janelle Stelson
Wants to make ACA premium tax credits permanent, supports drug price negotiation and protecting Social Security, and calls Pennsylvania’s $7.25 minimum wage “outrageous.”
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Janelle Stelson
Would restore Roe v. Wade protections nationally: “I will fight to ensure the protections guaranteed under Roe are once again the law of the land.”
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Scott Perry
No public position found.
Janelle Stelson
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Janelle Stelson
Supports securing the border and says deportations “should focus on those who have committed violent crimes,” with due process. Says ICE agents should wear badged uniforms and not masks.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Scott Perry
Urged Gov. Shapiro to opt Pennsylvania into the federal tax-credit scholarship program, saying “This needs to be a priority for a governor.”
Janelle Stelson
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Scott Perry
Supports a “blended energy portfolio”; voted to end Biden-era clean energy tax credits and in 2019 against keeping the U.S. in the Paris climate agreement.
Janelle Stelson
On climate, says “I believe the scientists”; supports renewable energy to lower costs and congressional action to protect clean air and drinking water.
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