HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Tuesday, the three statewide row officers of Pennsylvania took their oaths of office for new four-year terms, joining Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. This occasion marks a historic moment as it is the first instance in which all three positions are held simultaneously by elected Republicans.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Auditor General Tim DeFoor began their second terms, while Attorney General Dave Sunday was officially inaugurated into his first term as the state’s primary law enforcement representative. The swearing-in ceremonies were held one after the other in the beautifully decorated Forum Auditorium, located just across from the state Capitol. Various speakers addressed the audience, including Shapiro and former governors Mark Schweiker and Tom Corbett.
This group of officials is stepping into their roles during a period of divided government within Harrisburg, coinciding with the onset of President Donald Trump’s second term. During his comments, Corbett, who previously held the position of attorney general, advised Sunday to be prepared for criticism, stating, “You have to put the tortoise shell on and go forward.” He stressed the importance for Sunday to recognize that his responsibilities would encompass challenges related not only to legal matters but also to policy issues.
“Be prepared that tomorrow might bring an issue you have never encountered before,” stated Corbett, who also cautioned Sunday about the treacherous political climate of the current times. He advised the new attorney general to minimize political influences in his office’s operations, highlighting the unique circumstances under which Sunday assumes this role.
The primary functions of Pennsylvania’s attorney general involve prosecuting various offenses, including fraud, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, public corruption, and environmental violations, while also representing state agencies in legal matters. In recent years, state attorneys general have increasingly become significant players in shaping national policies via legal challenges to federal laws and regulations, often joining forces based on party lines.
Shapiro’s tenure as attorney general saw numerous lawsuits against actions taken by the Trump administration, principally in collaboration with other states led by Democrats. Recently, 22 state attorneys general, although Pennsylvania wasn’t among them, have initiated legal actions to contest Trump’s effort to eliminate a long-standing immigration principle known as birthright citizenship.
The three row officers are often seen as potential candidates for higher political positions, and their roles come with built-in oversight capabilities that could significantly influence Shapiro’s approach to governance. For example, it is mandatory for both the treasurer and the auditor general to approve general obligation bond issues, and they are also required to consent to tax anticipation notes. Treasurers can deny payments viewed as unlawful, auditors general can investigate sensitive political matters for compliance with existing laws, and attorneys general maintain the authority to scrutinize public corruption.
In addition, the attorney general’s office must ensure that all contracts within the executive branch are lawful, thereby enabling the governor’s policy pursuits in court during disputes with legislators or the presidency. Each officer possesses a statewide platform that can effectively enhance an opposing narrative when necessary.
The row officers’ tenure coincides with ongoing tensions between Shapiro and the Republican-dominated state Senate regarding budgetary matters. The state anticipates a surplus of $10.5 billion by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, although Garrity and other Republican figures have cautioned that the current rate of spending could exhaust these funds in the coming years.
Garrity is regarded as a potential Republican candidate against Shapiro, who is preparing to run for a second term in the upcoming 2026 elections. Additionally, Shapiro was previously considered as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign last year, with many viewing him as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 presidential election.
Sunday, a Navy veteran, served as the district attorney for York County before his election. Prior to Sunday, the last Republican to hold the attorney general position in Pennsylvania was Corbett, winning that office in 2008. Historically, four of the last five elected attorneys general have pursued gubernatorial races. Corbett won his gubernatorial bid in 2010, and Shapiro succeeded in 2022, both having won two terms as attorney general and serving a total of six years in that role.
