Former Pa. Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf will run for Governor he confirmed Tuesday. The York County businessman pledged $10 million of his own wealth toward a bid for the Democratic nomination.
“After a lot of thought and discussion with my family, I’ve decided I couldn’t sit on the sidelines and watch Gov. Corbett continue with policies that prevent Pennsylvania from moving ahead. I know Pennsylvania can do better,” he wrote in an email to supporters.
Wold, 65, also launched a website.
The Associated Press reported that another version of the message sent to a group of core supporters telling them, “he will contribute ‘a minimum’ of $10 million for the primary campaign and ‘we believe we can raise at least another $5 million from supporters across the state.’”
He earned his living via the Wolf Organization Inc., a York building-products company that has been in his family for generations.
So far just two Democrats have declared their candidacy: former DEP Secretary John Hanger and Cumberland County minister Max Meyers.
Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Treasurer Rob McCord, former DEP Secretary Katie McGinty, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and state Sen. Mike Stack are some of the other Democrats considering campaigns for the office.
Hanger welcomed Wolf, his former Rendell administration colleague, to the race.
“I have the greatest respect for Tom. I served with him in Governor Rendell’s cabinet and we have been friends for many years. Tom is thoughtful and committed to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said.
Schwartz and McCord are seen by many to have the inside track to the nomination. Schwartz because she is well funded, McCord because he hold statewide office and is also capable of funding a campaign.
But if Wolf really does intend to spend $10 million, it will radically change the dynamics of the race.
He remained focused on Gov. Tom Corbett, not potential primary opponents, in his announcement.
“Instead of believing in our state and its future, Gov. Corbett has spent his term in office putting politics over policy; corporations over people; and giving away our natural resources to the highest bidder. This governor put 100,000 children at risk of losing health care. He cut education by $1 billion dollars. And Pennsylvania has gone from 7th to 46th in job creation. This is not tapping our potential. This is wasting it,” he said.