State Sen. Scott Martin joins 2022 GOP primary race for Pa. Gov.

Joining a growing list of Republican candidates for governor, state Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster, announced Saturday that he would join the race for Pennsylvania’s highest office. 

“I’m running for governor not because I seek some grand title or big lofty perch,” Martin said via a Facebook Live announcement from his Lancaster County home. “I’m doing it because I know we can change everything for families and small businesses by focusing on the small things government can actually do, to get out of the way, and to ignite and empower our greatest resource … our people.”

Martin, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, has been a frequent critic of acting state Health Secretary Alison Beam’s Aug. 31 mask mandate for K-12 schools and childcare facilities in Pennsylvania, even going so far as to introduce legislation to try and curb the Secretary of Health’s powers. 

Discussing his key education concerns, Martin reflected on the “brain drain,” a trend in which people are leaving Pennsylvania for opportunities in other states. “We need those folks to stay here,” Martin said. 

Brain drain is an old problem for Pennsylvania | The Numbers Racket

Martin’s candidacy pits him against Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre. The long list of GOP candidates for governor also includes – among others – former congressman Lou Barletta, activist Charlie Gerow, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale and former prosecutor Bill McSwain.

“Pennsylvania’s future is bright – because I believe the people of Pennsylvania have the smarts, strength, and commitment to get us there,” Martin told viewers. “I believe we can and will achieve great things. But unlike most politicians, I’m not going to promise you the world … I’m going to promise you the work.”

Martin’s current Senate term ends in 2024.