Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano is holding a 40-day period of fasting and praying that is set to begin on Thursday and last until Election Day.
It’s not clear what prompted Mastriano’s campaign to launch the five-week fast, but the announcement comes as the Republican has been lagging behind Democratic nominee Josh Shapiro by double digits in the latest polls. The fasting is open to anyone “who sees the value of and need for prayer and fasting to restore true liberty as an integral part of the strategy to win the general election in November,” according to his campaign.
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“We have a natural aversion to the idea of fasting since it involves saying ‘no’ to something fleshly we enjoy, such as food,” his campaign said in a Facebook post. “However, we hope you consider something in this plan that will focus you more on praying for the Mastrianos, our state, and nation.”
There are no set rules or guidelines on how to participate in the fast, but Mastriano posted a list of “practical tips.” The tips include skipping at least one meal a day and speaking to God “during the time it would normally take to eat.”
Other fasting or prayer methods include turning off the TV to spend time in prayer, limiting one’s use of social media, eating only “REAL food” in lieu of processed or pre-prepared food, reading the Bible during one’s fast at least three times a week, or fasting for 24 hours one day of the week.
The plan also focuses heavily on praying for the Mastriano family “and the general election to be won on November 8th,” as well as praying for “[the Mastrianos’] protection, for fair elections, etc.”
Shapiro holds a double-digit lead over his GOP challenger, with 53% of registered voters saying they’d vote for him, according to a Marist College poll. That lead remains strong among those who say they “definitely” plan to vote, with 54% backing Shapiro compared to 42% supporting Mastriano.
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The race for Pennsylvania’s governor comes at a crucial time as the future of abortion rights in the state could be determined depending on whether Mastriano or Shapiro wins the seat. Mastriano has historically opposed abortion rights, while Shapiro has voiced support for Pennsylvania’s current abortion law, which bans the procedure after 24 weeks, with some exceptions.
The two are running to replace Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who is retiring.
