As Pennsylvania gears up for its elections next month, legislative Republicans are pushing for additional voter ID requirements, restrictions on abortion, and changes to judicial elections to enhance their competitiveness.
In contrast, Democrats aim to raise the state’s minimum wage and expand civil rights for LGBTQ individuals.
The General Assembly is closely divided, with Democrats holding a slim majority in the House and Republicans controlling the Senate. Democrats need to flip three Senate seats to achieve a tie, enabling Democratic Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to break procedural ties.
Several state House races are crucial, particularly in the Philadelphia suburbs and other regions. Democrats benefitted from redistricting, flipping 12 seats in the previous election and maintaining control despite resignations.
This year, more than half of the House districts feature only one candidate on the ballot.
Key targets for Republicans include Rep. Frank Burns and Rep. Jim Haddock. Democrats aim to unseat GOP incumbents like Rep.
Craig Williams and Rep. Valerie Gaydos. Meanwhile, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is running for auditor general, which could impact party dynamics.
In the Senate, competitive races include those of Sen. Dan Laughlin and Sen. Devlin Robinson. Democrats face a challenge in defending a seat in Pittsburgh following the retirement of Sen. Jim Brewster.