Special election in battlground Pennsylvania to determine if Democrats or Republicans control state house
It’s Election Day in a western Pennsylvania legislative district, and the race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state’s lower chamber. The Pennsylvania State House is deadlocked, with Democrats and Republicans each holding 101 seats. The outcome of this special election in District 35, located southeast of Pittsburgh, will determine whether the Democrats regain control or if the Republicans maintain their majority.
The vacancy in District 35 was created by the death of state Rep. Matt Gergerly, which led to the loss of the Democrats’ slim majority in January. The candidates vying for the seat are Democratic candidate Dan Goughnour, a police officer, Republican Chuck Davis, a fire chief, and libertarian Adam Kitta.
For the Democrats, winning this election would mark the fifth time this year that they have emerged victorious in a special legislative election with the state majority at stake. After suffering setbacks in the 2020 elections, including losing the White House and failing to regain control of Congress, the Democratic Party is looking to rebuild and regain momentum.
Recent polling has shown that the Democratic Party’s favorable rating is at an all-time low, with approval ratings dropping across various national surveys. Despite these challenges, Democratic leaders are optimistic about their chances in District 35 and see this election as a crucial opportunity to send a message to voters across Pennsylvania and the country.
On the Republican side, candidates are not taking anything for granted and are putting resources into the race to ensure a competitive outcome. State Rep. Jamie Barton, who leads the state House GOP’s campaign arm, emphasized the importance of the election and the need to fight for every vote.
In addition to the special election in District 35, voters will also be filling a vacant state Senate seat in District 36, located in Lancaster County. The GOP currently holds a majority in the state Senate, with a 27-22 advantage, and the outcome of this race will not change the balance of power in the upper chamber.
Regardless of the results, both parties are closely watching these elections as a barometer of voter sentiment and a potential indicator of future political trends in Pennsylvania. The stakes are high, and the outcome of these races could have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape.
