Ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race, Pennsylvania Democrats on Wednesday announced a new leadership lineup that includes a veteran campaign handler and close ally of Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The state Democratic Party tapped Larry K. Hailsham Jr., most recently the governor’s executive deputy chief of staff, as its new party executive.

Hailsham’s appointment comes just weeks after the party selected former state auditor Eugene DePasquale as its chairman.

In a press release, the group said Hailsham’s appointment underscores DePasquale’s “rapidly ongoing efforts to move the Pennsylvania Democratic Party forward and build the team and infrastructure to win.”

The 2026 gubernatorial race is widely considered a critical bellwether for state Democrats after bruising losses in 2024, which included

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