PA State Sen. Mastriano won’t run for US Senate.

Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano Decides Not to Run for U.S. Senate Seat

On Thursday evening, Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano announced that he will not be running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Senator Bob Casey Jr. Mastriano made the announcement in a Facebook Live post with his wife, Rebecca “Rebbie” Mastriano, by his side. Although Mastriano was considered a likely Republican candidate, he decided that he could be most effective in his current state senate position.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Mastriano and held a rally in Pennsylvania days before the election for governor. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also visited Pennsylvania in 2022 in support of Mastriano’s campaign. Despite the lack of funding from the state and national GOP, Mastriano’s solid base of supporters donated as individuals.

“While I have decided not to run, someone else will decide to run, and someone else will win the primary next year and be the nominee,” Mastriano said. “And whoever is that nominee, Rebbie and I will support them, and we hope you will too because I don’t want any other Republican candidates to go through what we went through last year when our own party betrayed us.”

Walk as Free People Movement

Although Mastriano is not running for the U.S. Senate seat, he is still committed to the “Walk as Free People” movement. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, he went live nightly on Facebook, updating the public on what the Pennsylvania General Assembly was doing in response to the pandemic. He encouraged viewers to walk as free people and not give up their rights. He hopes to expand the movement.

“We’re going to continue to grow our statewide network across the state in every county. We’re going to continue to be relevant and active,” said Mastriano, adding that this is part one of a two-part plan to move forward.

The second part of their plan is to hold an annual Freedom Conference where ordinary people can connect, encourage one another, and equip themselves through grassroots education about the workings of local government.

The Field So Far

Senator Bob Casey announced his plan to seek another term in April. At 62, Casey was treated this year for prostate cancer. He took minimal time off for treatment and posted photos of himself working from home while he recovered.