PA Primary Preview - State Treasurer

In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the contenders for the Democratic nominations for Pennsylvania State Treasurer.

State Treasurer

The Pennsylvania Office of the State Treasurer serves as the custodian of more than $150 billion in Commonwealth funds, and is responsible for the receipt and deposit of state monies, investment management and oversight of all withdrawals and deposits from state agencies.

Treasury also administers several programs that provide an opportunity for financial empowerment for families, municipal governments, and non-profit groups across the state. Here you can learn more about all of Treasury’s programs and services, along with also navigating Treasury’s Transparency Portal which provides an in-depth look at how Commonwealth expenditures are being spent.

DEMOCRATS

Ryan Bizzarro (D) vs. Erin McClelland (D)

A pair of candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer. The winner of the primary will face incumbent Republican Stacy Garrity in November.

Ryan Bizzarro

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Millcreek, Erie County
• Experience. State Representative, 3rd Legislative District. 
• House Assignments. Democrat Policy Committee chair; Rules.
• Top Priorities. Wants to create two new programs to leverage investment ability to grow communities, and to focus on infrastructure investment. Also wants to modernize the unclaimed property program.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Joseph Kujawa, 64-36%, in general election.
• Endorsements include Joanna McClinton, Dwight Evans, Madeleine Dean, Mary Gay Scanlon, Susan Wild, Matt Cartwright.
• Quotable. “As Treasurer, I’ll guard taxpayer assets, investments, and programs that impact you.”
• Education. B.A, Edinboro University; M.S, Gannon University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 3/31/2024)
  • Raised: $148,127 | Spent: $77,156.09 | Cash On Hand: $430,230.08

Erin McClelland

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Natrona Heights, Allegheny County.
• Experience. Business owner, behavioral health worker, nine years in process-improvement for county’s Department of Human Services
• Top Priorities. Expand information in database of state contracts. Provide recommended vendor list and would not invest in foreign holdings.
• Last Election (2016). Lost to Keith Rothfus, 62-38%, in general election for PA-12 
• Quotable. “It’s time we elect a responsible, honest-broker to oversee the Commonwealth’s Treasury who is committed to rebuilding our state’s supply chain with transparency and integrity and managing our taxpayer’s coffers with diligence and accountability.”
• Education. B.S, University of Pittsburgh; M.S, Chatham University.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide 
• Campaign Finance Report (from 1/1/2024 thru 4/8/2024)
  • Raised: $5,986 | Spent: $23,357.46 | Cash On Hand: $0
  • Debts and Obligations: $100,000