News & Brews April 8, 2026
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Fundraising numbers are in for governor’s race
Campaign finance reports are in. And in the first quarter of 2026, Gov. Josh Shapiro raised nearly $10.5 million, spent almost $4.6 million, and ended with about $36 million cash on hand in his campaign account. Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, meanwhile, raised about $1 million, spent $528,000, and ended with about $1.5 million cash on hand in her campaign account. The race to defeat Shapiro is seen as an uphill battle, yet Garrity is likely the strongest opponent he has ever faced in his political career, and she holds the record as the top vote getter in a statewide race in Pennsylvania, eclipsing even Shapiro.
Pittsburgh codifies policy rejecting ICE cooperation
The Post-Gazette reports that yesterday, the Pittsburgh City Council “formally codified a long-standing policy that the city will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, while delaying action on more far-reaching restrictions.” The move “formally makes law that Pittsburgh will not sign a 287(g) agreement, which outlines a voluntary partnership with ICE agents that allows local law enforcement to perform some immigration enforcement activities.” With all the issues Pittsburgh is facing, good to know they’re prioritizing making it illegal to help uphold laws.
Could venue shopping be up for review?
The practice of venue shopping—or jury-mandering—allows plaintiffs to sue in plaintiff-friendly Philadelphia even if the alleged offense occurs elsewhere. Venue shopping has been a windfall for trial lawyers but a disaster for Pennsylvanians, as it drives up medical liability insurance costs, threatens healthcare access, and more. Now, the practice could be heading for review as a result of a case involving firearms manufacturer SIG Sauer. The Center Square reports that the case is “possibly the next chapter in the fight against the state’s ‘consent-by-registration’ law, which essentially requires a company that wishes to sell its products in Pennsylvania to be willing to face lawsuits there – even from out-of-state plaintiffs.”
Dem Jewish lawmakers raise alarm at Summer Lee
Democrat U.S. Rep. Summer Lee—long known for being anti-Israel—is facing criticism from two Democrat state lawmakers who lead the Pennsylvania Legislative Jewish Caucus. The Center Square reports that state Rep. Dan Frankel (Allegheny County) and state Sen. Judy Schwank (Berks County) stated, “We are deeply alarmed by reports that Rep. Summer Lee plans to campaign alongside Hasan Piker, a commentator who has repeatedly trafficked in antisemitic statements….We urge Rep. Lee to reconsider and to stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms.” (For the record, we don’t anticipate that Lee will reconsider.)
News outlet’s ‘vetting guide’ reveals its bias
Spotlight PA has published its guide to vetting primary candidates. But lest you think the guide is unbiased, think again. The language used reveals how the media outlet views key issues. For example, in describing legislation that lawmakers have considered, Spotlight refers to “a bill to ban trans girls from playing women’s K-12 and collegiate school sports.” Why not, “a bill to protect biological girls from being forced to compete against biological boys”? Or, “a bill to require athletes to compete according to their biological sex”? Spotlight also refers to “a regional program to cap carbon emissions from power plants.” Why not, “a carbon tax program.” Now, can bias go both ways? Absolutely. But the funny thing is, Spotlight actually thinks it’s unbiased and argues the same. But a media outlet’s word choices go a long way in revealing how it wants readers to think.