(WHTM) — While Republicans do not yet have a candidate for Pennsylvania governor in 2026, they at least know who won’t be on the ballot.

Congressman Dan Meuser (R-9) said he has ruled out a run against incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro. Instead, he said he plans to remain in the House of Representatives.

“My focus needs to remain on doing my job, serving my constituents and executing the plans to strengthen our country,” Meuser said in a statement.

The congressman expressed interest in the race back in January, telling abc27 News’ Dennis Owens that he was considering a run.

And weeks ago, Meuser received the most powerful endorsement in Republican politics: President Donald Trump.

“He’s been a great congressman,” Trump said at a rally in Pittsburgh, according to ABC News. “And if you run, you have my full support. And you’ll win. The people are going to get it real fast.”

Meuser also traded jabs with Shapiro recently after the governor’s office released a map showing, what they claimed, how many Pennsylvanians in Republican-led congressional districts could lose Medicaid and SNAP benefits after the passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Meuser called the claims “complete, utter nonsense” and criticized the governor’s leadership.

His decision to dropout leaves the GOP searching for a candidate who can compete with Shapiro’s messaging prowess and large campaign war chest.

No Republicans have formally entered the 2026 gubernatorial race. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity teased a potential run earlier this year, saying she is “listening” and “ready to do what’s necessary to help (her) team win.”

State Senator Doug Mastriano said he is considering a second run for governor after losing to Shapiro in 2022.

In his statement, Meuser said he is prepared to help Republicans win down ballot.

“I am confident we will have an outstanding gubernatorial candidate,” Meuser said. “We will defeat Governor Shapiro, and make Pennsylvania a leader among states and the best place to live.”