I don't think the GoP ever really cared about the governor race. I mean, just look at the pool of "candidates" for the GoP primary back in May. They probably figured that no matter who won the primary Shapiro was going to win regardless hence very little money being given to Mastriano's term.

It seems like they put all their eggs in the senate race, but that failed too. I do think they regret not pushing a more traditional republican like Barletta since I think Mastriano hurt Oz's chances despite the latter's efforts in distancing himself from Mastriano and the radical right.