The candidates were incumbent Republican Tom Ridge, Democrat Ivan Itkin, Constitutionalist Peg Luksik and Libertarian Ken Krawchuk.

Incumbent Governor Ridge ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, and was endorsed by multiple newspapers across the state, including the York Daily Record.

Itkin, although not well known in the state, was a powerful figure in the legislature and had the backing of the party establishment,[2] while the conservative Bailey drew strong union support.

During this election cycle, Democrats struggled with fundraising issues and had difficulty recruiting a top tier candidate.

Peg Luksik, who was well known as an outspoken opponent of abortion, ran as a strong third party contender for the second consecutive election cycle; she emphasized the pro-choice stances of both candidates and drew votes in the state's rural, conservative center.