WASHINGTON (AP) – Big decisions are happening in Pennsylvania today. Two important special elections are being held to fill empty seats in the state legislature. These elections could change the balance of power in both the Pennsylvania State House and State Senate.
What’s Happening Today?
Voters from different parts of Pennsylvania are casting their votes in two special elections:
- State House District 35 (Western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh)
- State Senate District 36 (Lancaster County, between Harrisburg and Philadelphia)
In House District 35, Democrats are defending their seat. This seat was left empty after the death of Democratic Representative Matt Gergely in January. The House is currently tied 101-101 between Democrats and Republicans, making this election crucial for control.
In Senate District 36, Republicans are aiming to keep their advantage. The seat was vacated when Republican Senator Ryan Aument resigned in December.
Who Are the Candidates?
State House District 35:
- Democrat Dan Goughnour: McKeesport school board member and police officer.
- Republican Chuck Davis: President of the White Oak Borough Council and volunteer firefighter.
- Libertarian Adam Kitta: Also on the ballot, offering a third-party option.
State Senate District 36:
- Republican Josh Parsons: Lancaster County commissioner.
- Democrat James Andrew Malone: Mayor of East Petersburg.
- Libertarian Zachary Moore: Running as a third-party candidate.
How Have These Districts Voted Before?
House District 35 leans strongly Democratic:
- In 2023, Matt Gergely won 75% of the vote.
- Vice President Kamala Harris received about 58% of votes here in the 2024 presidential election.
- Trump had some support in areas like Liberty, White Oak, and Port Vue but overall, Democrats led by a wide margin.
Senate District 36 is reliably Republican:
- Trump won 57% of votes in the district in 2024.
- Republican Dave McCormick defeated Democrat Bob Casey for the U.S. Senate seat here.
- Senator Aument ran unopposed in 2022.
- Trump won 18 out of 22 municipalities in this district.
Why These Elections Matter
For the State House, Democrats had a narrow majority after the 2022 elections, the first time in over a decade. Losing District 35 could break their hold, causing a deadlock or shifting control.
For the State Senate, Republicans already have a strong majority. They want to keep control by winning District 36.
Who Can Vote?
- State House District 35 voters: About 43,000 registered voters, with 61% Democrats, 25% Republicans.
- State Senate District 36 voters: About 185,000 registered voters, with 53% Republicans, 30% Democrats.
Voters registered in these districts are eligible to participate.
Turnout Trends So Far
In House District 35:
- 52%-53% voter turnout in 2022 and 2024 general elections.
- About 25% voted early in previous elections.
- In the 2023 special election, turnout was around 21%.
In Senate District 36:
- About 51% turnout in 2022.
- Only 14% voted early in that election.
For absentee ballots:
- In Allegheny County (House District 35), 83% of absentee ballots so far are from Democrats.
- In Lancaster County (Senate District 36), about 11,000 out of 16,000 requested ballots have already been cast, but no party breakdown was provided.
When Will Results Be Available?
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET today.
In past elections:
- Allegheny County (House District 35) reported results right after polls closed, ending counting by around midnight.
- Lancaster County (Senate District 36) finished by 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press (AP) will provide vote updates as they come in.
How Will Winners Be Declared?
The AP does not make early projections. They will only declare a winner when it’s clear the trailing candidate cannot catch up. Even if candidates declare victory or concede, the AP will only call the race after confirming the numbers.
What About Recounts?
- Pennsylvania has an automatic recount law for statewide elections, but not for state legislative races.
- For close non-statewide races, voters can request a recount, but the AP may still declare a winner if the lead is too large for a recount to change the result.
Final Thoughts
These special elections might not just fill empty seats—they could shift the political landscape in Pennsylvania. Control of the State House is up in the air, and while Republicans have a stronghold in the Senate, a competitive race could surprise everyone.
Stay tuned as votes are counted tonight!
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