(WHTM) – Republican candidates running statewide this fall held a series of kickoff events on Thursday, including one at a suburban Harrisburg business.

The event featured Senate candidate Dave McCormick, Attorney General candidate Dave Sunday, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, and Auditor General Tim DeFoor.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

“We got one senator who won’t wear a suit and we got another senator who’s an empty suit,” joked McCormick, pointing toward the hoodie-wearing Senator John Fetterman (D) and his 2024 opponent Bob Casey (D).

The event also showed a glimpse of strategy for the statewide Republicans: stick to inflation and immigration while blaming Joe Biden and Democrats.

“Those ‘feel good politics’ don’t work,” said Garrity. “And all you have to do is drive to the gas station or the grocery store to see this.”

Sunday, who currently serves as the District Attorney of York County, said at the event “If our communities are not safe, then nothing else matters.”

McCormick echoed the sentiment, telling attendees “You’re here for the same reason I’m here, which is we’re terrified.”

This is the first of several group rallies for the statewide candidates going into a contentious presidential election year.

“It’s a team sport,” said McCormick, who lost the 2022 primary in a crowded field by less than 1,000 votes. “We’re going to win as a team.”

One statewide Republican candidate was not in attendance and wasn’t mentioned once: Donald Trump. While he wasn’t mentioned during the rally, he’ll have a big impact on the race and turnout.

“I honestly think President Trump will get out the vote,” said McCormick. He has historically, he’s got a huge following. And so I think I will benefit from that. I think statewide candidates will benefit from that.”

Republican candidates have an interesting straddle; attracting pro-Trump voters while not alienating “Never Trumpers.”

“You know, I’m my own guy,” said McCormick. “I’m running my own campaign. I welcomed President Trump as the nominee. I’ll certainly support his efforts… but I’m running to represent Pennsylvania as an independent man who’s fighting for the people of Pennsylvania.”

Garrity agreed with McCormick that Trump will ultimately drive turnout in November, which she said “will be good for the rest of us.”

“Last time he lost I won,” said Garrity, pointing to the 2020 election when she beat Joe Torsella by less than 53,000 votes despite Biden beating Trump in Pennsylvania by just over 80,000. “So I don’t think it’s necessarily totally tied together.”

Casey, on the other hand, held events in Harrisburg on Thursday where he spoke to veterans and received an endorsement from the State Educator Association.

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