After filing to withdraw his candidacy earlier in the day, state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, has reversed course and is staying in the Republican primary race for Pennsylvania governor.
“Two developments today have led me to decide to remain in the race for governor: President Trump’s statement on the race and my conversation directly with the president,” Corman said in a statement. “He encouraged me to keep fighting, and that’s what I’m going to do – keep fighting for the people of Pennsylvania.”
Former President Donald Trump issued a critical statement on Tuesday saying he would not endorse Bill McSwain, a Trump appointee as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Trump has not specifically endorsed a candidate in the race.
Corman, who as president pro tempore is the top-ranking Senate member, filed a petition in Commonwealth Court on Tuesday to withdraw his candidacy from the May 17 Republican primary, but later in the day filed to discontinue the petition. The court docket now lists the matter as closed.
In the most recent primary poll issued last week by WHTM, Emerson College and The Hill, the 57-year-old Centre County native was in fifth place with 4%. Former Congressman and Hazleton mayor Lou Barletta led the pack at 19.8%, with state Sen. Doug Mastriano close behind at 19.4%. Businessman Dave White (11.6%) and McSwain (7.9%) also polled ahead of Corman, who was trailed by Melissa Hart, Charles Gerow, Joseph Gale and Nche Zama.
Current Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the only Democrat running.
Corman announced his candidacy in November, emphasizing his legislative experience and ability to break through gridlock.
“Someone who comes from the legislature, who understands the legislature, can work with the legislature to get good things accomplished is something that we need,” Corman told the Associated Press at the time. “I think we’re tired of sort of the gridlock and the back-and-forth between the two.”
Corman previously announced he would not simultaneously seek reelection to the Senate.
He has served in the state Senate since 1999, after he won election to the seat previously held by his father, J. Doyle Corman, for 21 years.
Corman rose to Senate majority leader, the No. 2 post in the chamber, in 2015 and was elected by GOP members to the top-ranking position of president pro tempore in January 2021.
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