Pennsylvania Treasurer Race Takes Combative Turn as Candidates Spar Over Insurrection Accusations

Ryan Bizzarro and Stacy GarrityRep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) and Treasurer Stacy Garrity (MyChesCo composite image)

PENNSYLVANIA — In what is shaping up to be a fiery contest for Pennsylvania Treasurer, Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity and Democratic candidate Ryan Bizzarro have publicly clashed over accusations of insurrection and sexism.

Garrity took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to condemn a poster from her opponent’s campaign operative, which labeled her as an ‘Insurrectionist Barbie.’ In her post, she criticized the derogatory term, stating that it represented a personal attack and sexist insult. She emphasized her credentials as an Iraq War veteran, accomplished businesswoman, and fighter, challenging her opponent to focus on policy discussions rather than personal insults.

In response, Bizzarro fired back on Wednesday with a pointed remark likening Garrity to Benedict Arnold, infamous in American history as a traitor. He accused Garrity of undermining democracy, instigating an insurrection, and spreading falsehoods that led to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Bizzarro concluded his remarks by asserting that anyone who instigates an insurrection should be barred from public office.

This heated exchange underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in Pennsylvania and across the nation, where debates often devolve into personal attacks rather than focusing on substantive policy issues.

The position of State Treasurer, while not as high-profile as Governor or Senator, plays a crucial role in managing the state’s finances and investments. Therefore, the character and integrity of the individual holding this office are of paramount importance. If candidates engage in behavior that undermines democratic processes or resorts to personal attacks rather than focusing on policy discussions, it raises legitimate concerns about their ability to effectively and ethically manage public funds.

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Moreover, these allegations and counter-allegations reflect broader national political trends. The term ‘insurrectionist’ has become a flashpoint in American politics following the U.S. Capitol attack, with critics arguing it’s used to sideline and delegitimize opponents. Meanwhile, accusations of sexism highlight ongoing issues around gender representation and respect in politics.

As the race for Pennsylvania Treasurer intensifies, voters will be watching closely to see how both candidates address these issues and whether they can shift the focus back to substantive policy discussions that directly impact Pennsylvanians’ lives.

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