Daniel Hastings began his career as a school teacher before becoming a principal at Bellefonte High School and studying law. He established a successful law practice and engaged in various business interests, including coal mines and banking. Hastings held multiple civic roles, such as school board member and trustee for educational institutions. He also served in the Pennsylvania State Militia, rising to the rank of Major General and leading relief efforts after the Johnstown Flood. His political career included managing Congressional campaigns and serving as a delegate to state and national conventions. As governor, he created several state commissions and departments, reformed state taxation, and initiated the reconstruction of the State Capitol Building.

Daniel Hastings combines traditional Republican values with progressive administrative reforms, as seen in his establishment of the Pennsylvania State Game Commission and State Forestry Commission. His economic policy of replacing property taxes with a corporate profit tax reveals an unexpected alignment with progressive taxation principles. Hastings's strategic military and civic leadership, including his role in the Spanish-American War and relief efforts after the Johnstown Flood, underscores a highly localized approach to governance. His legislative initiatives and civic roles reflect a deeply rooted commitment to Pennsylvania's development and stability.