U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser said he will seek re-election to his northeastern Pennsylvania House seat rather than compete for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026. The four-term congressman had been courted by former President Donald Trump, who told supporters at a late-May rally that Meuser would have his “total” backing if he entered the race. Meuser’s withdrawal narrows the GOP’s field to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who won his 2022 contest by almost 15 percentage points after spending more than $70 million. Two-term state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who spent less than $3 million across her statewide campaigns, said she will announce “very soon” whether she will run, and party officials are encouraging her candidacy as they seek to avoid a crowded primary. Shapiro, 52, is expected to lead the Democratic ticket again in 2026 and is regarded by strategists as a potent fundraiser and potential 2028 presidential contender. Republican leaders say Meuser will continue to be an influential surrogate in Congress as they look to coalesce around a single challenger capable of competing with the governor’s established statewide network.