Special Election for Pennsylvania House Vacancy to Determine Control of State Legislature

Voters in a western Pennsylvania district will decide on Tuesday whether Democrats retain a one-vote majority in the state House after Rep. Matt Gergely’s death. The election features Democrat Dan Goughnour against Republican Chuck Davis. Meanwhile, a Senate vacancy following Sen. Ryan Aument’s departure will also be contested, but the Republican majority remains unaffected.

On Tuesday, voters in a western Pennsylvania district will decide if the Democrats maintain their slender one-vote majority in the state House of Representatives. The chamber has been tied at 101 votes each since the passing of incumbent Rep. Matt Gergely in January. A Democratic victory would enable Speaker Joanna McClinton from Philadelphia to continue as the chamber’s leader. Conversely, a win for the Republicans could allow them to replace McClinton and appoint their own committee chairs.

This election serves as a critical indicator of voter sentiment in Pennsylvania, a state that previously favored Republican President Donald Trump by a narrow margin. In the last election cycle, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris comfortably secured the aforementioned House district. Thus, any Republican victory here would be considered a significant upset.

The special election features Democratic candidate Dan Goughnour, a police officer and school board member from McKeesport, contesting against Republican Chuck Davis, a fire chief and president of the White Oak Borough Council. Additionally, voters will also participate in a special election to fill a state Senate vacancy created by Sen. Ryan Aument’s resignation for a position with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.

In the Senate race, Republican candidate Josh Parsons, the Lancaster County Commissioner, is up against Democratic candidate James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg. Regardless of the outcome of this particular race, the Republican majority in the state Senate is expected to remain unchanged.

The upcoming elections in Pennsylvania hold substantial significance for both parties. The House of Representatives is poised on a knife-edge, with a 101-101 tie, and the outcome could alter the balance of power. Furthermore, the state Senate’s special election will not affect the Republican majority, emphasizing the current political landscape.

Original Source: www.usnews.com