Republican Andrea Verobisz defeated the Democratic challenger Caleb McCoy win the special election in the 79th Legislative District on Tuesday night.

Once the votes are confirmed, Verobish will be sworn in and fill out the remainder Lou Schmitt term representing Blair County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Former field representative for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-15) Verobish received 57.4% of the vote to 42.2% for McCoy, a registered nurse and former member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The GOP was expected to retain the seat as Republicans held a 55-29 advantage in the district.

Coupled with a Republican victory by Catherine Wall in the 193rd Legislative District, Democrats still hold a 102-100 majority. The fifth and final special election will be held on May 19 to fill the seat vacated by Republicans Seth Grove in the 196th district.

“Tonight, House Republicans won important victories in two open seats, demonstrating the success of our message and the strength of our candidates,” he said House Republican Party Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton).

“I want to extend my genuine congratulations to Representative-elect Andrea Verobish (HD-79) and Representative-elect Catherine Wallen (HD-193) for winning their races with a focused message, a disciplined campaign and a united Republican Party behind them.

“Mark my words: House Republicans will continue to carry our message of cutting taxes, fighting for families and unlocking economic potential to every corner of the Commonwealth. In this year’s election, we will execute a winning strategy characterized by a vision of a hopeful future that will lead to a new Republican majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”

The 79th District includes the city of Altoona and the towns of Allegheny and Logan in Blair County.

Ana Tiburcio won the special election for the 22nd Legislative District for the remaining term Josh Siegelwho resigned as Lehigh County executive.

Tiburcio defeated Józef Leckenby67-33 to win the Allentown District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and facilitate maintain the Democrats’ one-seat majority in the chamber.

The owner of A&M Tax & Services and Allentown School District (ASD) board member was a plurality vote-getter in each precinct, earning 1,474 votes to just 717 for Smith.

Overall turnout was disappointing, as only 6.9 percent of 32,737 registered voters chose to elect a representative.

In response to Tiburcio’s victory, DNC chairman Ken Martin issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump and the Republicans’ out-of-touch billionaire agenda is leaving working families worse off than ever before – and Pennsylvanians have had enough. Tonight, Pennsylvanians are once again putting their faith in sturdy Democratic leaders like Ana Tiburcio and Jennifer Mazzocco who are fighting to lower costs, protect health care, and build a better future for every family. Their victories today are yet another warning sign to Republicans that their toxic agenda has no place in Pennsylvania Democrats have momentum as we continue to win elections in up and down and extending our power throughout the Commonwealth and across the country.”

The 22nd Legislative District includes all of East Allentown, parts of Center City Allentown and three districts on the eastern side of Salisbury.

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There will be two special elections on Tuesday, February 17 for vacant seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and both could have a major impact on majority control in the chamber.

Democrat in the 42nd Legislative District Jen Mazzocco and republican Joseph Leckenby Jr. meet to fill the remaining date Dan Millerwho resigned and became judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

There will be two separate elections for the 2027-2028 term – a primary election on May 17 and a general election on November 5.

Jen Mazzocco (no)

• Experience: Teacher, Allerdice Secondary School. Chairman of Dormont Town Council. He chaired the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Political Action Committee from 2018-2025.
• The reason for running. “I have experience in managing a municipality [and in] a union that fights for education and also fights for working people, and the term ‘working people’ I think really applies to a lot of people.”
• Priorities.
  • Working Families. I’ve seen the difference that a stable income, affordable health care, and job security can make in people’s lives. In Harrisburg, I will prioritize policies that protect working families
  • Economic Security. Work to expand affordable health care in our state and advocate for practical measures that lower families’ everyday expenses, from prescription drugs to child care. Fight to protect social services like SNAP and Medicaid so no one falls through the cracks when the going gets tough.
  • Minimum wage. He supports raising the wage to $18 an hour.
  • Union rights. Continue to be a steadfast defender of our unions’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
  • Protecting women and families. Defend women’s right to choose in Pennsylvania and fight to protect women’s reproductive rights. Advocate for health and childcare policies that support women, regardless of whether they choose to start a family.
  • Education. Our schools are the backbone of our communities. District 42 is home to top-notch school districts, and it is critical that we support them at the state level so they can continue to provide an excellent education for all of our children.
• Education: BA, MA, University of Pittsburgh.
• Confirmations
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Instagram | Blue
• What they say. “I will work for an economy that puts working families first, with thriving communities and an education system that benefits all students.”

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Joe Leckenby (right)

• Experience: Advocate.
• Previous campaigns. Lost to Dan Miller in the 2024 general election 67-33.
• The reason for running. My interest in public service is based on my belief that state government must operate with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and respect for constitutional principles.
• Priorities.
  • Social Security and military pensions. He opposes taxes on both counts.
  • Mobile phones in schools. Supports ban.
  • Families. An advocate of policies that strengthen and protect customary family values.
  • Education. Promote educational programs that reflect historical and cultural truths. Give parents a decisive role in their children’s education by supporting school choice and parent involvement.
  • Reproductive choice. Take a sturdy stand on pro-life issues, advocating for policies that protect unborn children and promote the sanctity of life at all stages.
  • 2nd amendment. Strongly support the Second Amendment ensuring the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear firearms for personal protection and defense.
  • Economics. He advocated for policies that support diminutive businesses and reduce regulatory burdens to support economic growth.
• Education: B.A., Duquesne University; J.D., Duquesne Law School
• Cufflinks: : Website | Twitter | YouTube | Linkedin
• What they say. “I’m ready to be a new voice in Harrisburg. I will listen to residents across the borough – regardless of party affiliation – and work together to develop practical, common-sense solutions that put our community first.”

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In the News

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District

• Baldwin, Mount Lebanon and Upper St. Clair and the communes of Castle Shannon and Dormont.
• At the beginning of January, there were 47,740 registered voters in the 42nd District – 54.3% Democrats, 30.8% Republicans and 12.8% Independents.

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Voting guide

League of Women Voters

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There will be two special elections on Tuesday, February 17 for vacant seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and both could have a major impact on majority control in the chamber.

Democrat in the 22nd Legislative District Ana Tiburcio and republican Robert E. Smith Jr. meet to fill the remaining date Josh Siegelwho resigned and took over as Lehigh County executive.

There will be two separate elections for the 2027-2028 term – a primary election on May 17 and a general election on November 5.

Ana Tiburcio (D)

• Experience: Owner, A&M Tax & Services. Allentown School District (ASD) Board of Directors. Coordinator of the Fine Feather Foundation program. Volunteer at Allentown Works.
• The reason for running. She said she is a mother and knows the struggles of getting city projects that residents need. Tiburcio said she has a son who is in prison, so she understands that prisons need resources to provide the education, job training and mental health services that will give people a second chance when they return to society.
• Priorities.
  • Apartments. He wants to be involved in plans for affordable housing and infrastructure.
  • Education. He says student performance has increased compared to previous years and is getting better every day.
  • Minimum wage. He supports raising the wage to $15 an hour.
  • Integrity of elections. He does not support attempts to nationalize elections.
  • Public transport. People shouldn’t expect fewer resources in a neighborhood where more people operate public transit than anywhere else in the region.
  • Recreational cannabis. Supports.
• Education: Northampton Community College.
• Cufflinks: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
• What they say. “I’m not running to be a title. I’m running to be a voice. A voice that listens, acts and brings people together. This is about representation, responsibility and community.”

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Robert Smith (right)

• Experience: Former Allentown city councilor. Former board member of ASD (2003-19) and program specialist for a mental health service provider.
• The reason for running. He said he sees himself as an individual who will not be intimidated by either side. He said he would represent all Lehigh Valley residents regardless of party affiliation. He said he sees the country divided along party lines, but many of the people he talks to are independent or unaffiliated voters.
• Priorities.
  • Political identity. “I’m a conservative, but I’m also moderate on social issues. I’m a fiscal conservative. I’m a religious person. My wife and I are Catholic. We believe in conservative values ​​in dealing with family, and I think (Donald Trump and Doug Mastriano) were the best people at the right time, at the right time, in the history of our country.”
  • Apartments. I’m not sure I’ll support the governor’s proposal to issue $1 billion in bonds for affordable housing and infrastructure. “I’m not saying we don’t lend everything, but it has to be done in a timely manner first.”
  • Education. He supports school choice laws but has called on the state to restore a policy that reimburses public schools for charter school tuition, which was abandoned in 2011. He wants the state to end overly stiff curriculum requirements.
  • Minimum wage. He supports raising the wage to $15 an hour.
  • Integrity of elections. He does not support attempts to nationalize elections.
  • Public transport. The state should operate gas tax money to fund public transportation. We will fight to provide Philadelphia with less public transportation and Allentown with more.
  • Surroundings. Supports a gas bill forcing a public audit of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone.
  • Women’s sports. Support for a bill banning transgender students from competing in sports leagues that match their gender identity.
  • Recreational cannabis. Supports.
• Education: Middlesex County College, New York University.
• Cufflinks: Website | Facebook
• What they say. “It’s a perfect storm for someone who could unite the district. I think I can win and I think I can work with my colleagues.”

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Debates

In the News

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By the numbers

• The 22nd District includes all of East Allentown, parts of Center City Allentown and three wards on the eastern side of the city of Salisbury. According to the latest state data, there are 31,669 registered voters in the district, 53% of whom are Democrats and 21% are Republicans.
• The district is the poorest housing district in the Lehigh Valley, with 23.2% living below the poverty line.
• About 62 percent of residents are Latino.

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This could be a knock on your door. It might be the person with the clipboard who greets you on your weekly trip to the supermarket.

The 2026 election season officially begins on Tuesday with the start of the three-week nomination filing period.

Wait? What are nomination requests?

In order for a candidate to appear on the primary ballot in Pennsylvania, he or she must obtain a certain number of valid signatures on nomination application forms from voters registered in the same party as the candidate.

The first day a candidate for office can begin collecting signatures is Tuesday, February 17, and the last day is Tuesday, March 10. It’s a three-week sprint for the campaign.

Pennsylvania requires a certain number of signatures on nomination petitions from candidates for elected office.

2026 Filing Fees and Signature Requirements for Candidates Filing Nomination Petitions to Access the General Election Ballot

Office	Fee	Signature requirement	Declaration of financial interest
Governor	200 dollars	2,000 (including at least 100 from each of at least 10 counties)	Yes
Lieutenant Governor	200 dollars	1,000 (including at least 100 from each of at least 5 counties)	Yes
Representative in Congress	$150	1000	NO
Senator in the General Assembly	100 dollars	500	Yes
Representative at the General Meeting	100 dollars	300	Yes
Member of the State Committee	$25	100	NO

Failure to follow any of the instructions below may result in your signature and/or petition being rejected.

1. USE INK.

2. DO NOT USE SUCH SIGNS anywhere in the petition.

3. Make sure all blank fields at the top of the first page of the nomination form are completed BEFORE you sign the petition.

4. YOU MUST SIGN THE PETITION: :

• Be a registered Democrat or Republican
• Find voter registration information including precinct, county and municipality HERE
• Live in the constituency to which your application relates
• Find your AP U.S. Congressional and House of Representatives district HERE

5. The statement must be stated in the statement of claim: :

• Your address, not your PO box.
• The municipality where you pay taxes. It may be different than your mailing address.
  Were. Your mailing address is Lancaster, but your township is Manheim Township.
  Find your commune HERE.
• The signing date may be given digitally or in words; e.g. February 17, 2026 or February 17, 2026 or February 17, 2026
• Your name should match your voter registration information. You must exploit your full name, not your nickname or your spouse’s name (Ms. John Jones is not vital, Mary Jones is). Find voter registration information HERE
• Co-resident signatories MAY NOT USE THESE MARKS for name, address or any other information that already appears on the petition.

6. The number of candidate petitions you can sign for a given position depend on the number of holes in this position.

If a mistake is made, the entire line must be crossed out and the voter must copy the information on the next line.

A candidate or campaign may challenge individual voter signatures of another candidate/campaign. The basis of the challenges may be:

• Not registered to vote
• Not registered to vote at given address
• Out of county
• Illegible
• Line information omitted
• Duplicate
• Nickname/Initial
• Printed signature
• Statement about a defective circulator
• Signed after the date of the circulator’s statement

After filing an objection requestThe Tribunal will make an order regarding the timing and case management. The Commonwealth Secretary will also publish an order.

Those who forge signatures on petitions may also face problems.

In 2024, a Democratic campaign manager was charged with filing false nomination applications in the 2024 auditor general primary, including the forged signature of a Chester County judge. Mariel Kornblith-Martin of Philadelphia was accused of filing false nomination applications while serving as campaign manager Mark PinsleyLehigh County controller, looking to secure a spot in the competitive Democratic primary.

Pinsley’s campaign petitions included the names of people who said they did not sign them, including Chester County Judge Alita Rovitomembers of the Coatesville City Council Carmen Green AND Khadija Al-Aminand West Goshen District Supervisor Nate Wolman.

Due to resignation Representatives Joshua Siegel (D-Lehigh) i Dan Miller (D-Allegheny), Speaker of the House of Representatives Joanna McClinton signed election orders calling for special elections to be held in the 22nd and 42nd parliamentary districts on Tuesday, (*24*) 24.

Last month, Siegel won election to the Lehigh County executive seat and Miller won the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas judgeship.

Under the House Rules, the Speaker must issue the letter within 10 days of the vacancy.

Siegel becomes the county’s youngest-ever chief executive. He told City & State that the motivation to run for this position was the consequences of the 2024 elections: the withering credibility of institutions, democracy and parties. Siegel, 31 set yourself lofty goals during your campaign to address challenges that county government has not traditionally attempted to address. He made it a top priority to address the regional housing shortage, while proposing that the county consider reducing property taxes and implementing a 1% sales tax.

Miller has represented the 42nd District since 2013. The 54-year-old had it previously said that he had considered running for judge before he was elected to the House of Representatives. House colleagues and social services advocates have not been shy about saying so Miller achieved a lot in his time in the state legislature. They say he will leave a legacy of support for disability and mental health issues, perhaps most highlighted during the annual summit attended by lawmakers and policy experts.

The 22nd and 42nd districts are in Democratic strongholds. Nearly 53 percent of residents of Lehigh County’s 22nd District, which includes the state’s third-largest city in Allentown, are registered Democrats, compared with 21 percent of Republicans.

The numbers are similar in the 42nd, which includes Baldwin, Mount Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, where Democrats have a 53-30% voter registration advantage.

Thursday. Hold on to your hats!

In today’s PoliticsPA Guide. Moderates in the House of Representatives are taking ACA subsidy matters into their own hands by filing a discharge petition. Did President Trump disrespect Stacy Garrity? Depends on who you ask. Independent voters file lawsuit in Commonwealth Court to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary elections. Leadership lessons from a literal ringmaster.

Your morning pick-me-up. A song about authority. John Mellencamp

Weather in Pennsylvania
Lake Conneaut | Snow, 27
Boiling Springs | Mostly clear, 33
Shickshinny | Rising clouds, 32

Sports PA
Flyers (16-9-3) | Thu vs. Las Vegas
Penguins (14-7-7) | Thu vs. Montreal
Sixes (13-10) | Friday vs. Indiana

Society of Pennsylvania. Calendar of events for the annual New York event that starts today.

What we hear. Ryan Mackenzie reps AND Rob Bresnahan they signed Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick discharge of a petition seeking to force a vote on a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.

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The most essential story

1. Moderates in the House of Representatives are taking ACA subsidy matters into their own hands with a discharge petition

“On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of moderate members of the House of Representatives formally filed a discharge motion to force a vote on a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Representative Brian Fitzpatricka moderate Republican who led the discharge petition said there are “a lot” of House Republicans “representing a lot of low- and middle-income voters who are tacitly very supportive of this.” known

Elsewhere

“It will never be perfect”: Trump loyalists see an imperfect messenger. “MAGA faithful are delighted that President Donald Trump is back on the road. But some acknowledge that he is an imperfect messenger who is more likely to express optimistic views about his stewardship of the U.S. economy than to acknowledge that voters are feeling the financial squeeze.” | POLICY

Trump accused of ‘low energy’ during AP rally: Strategist calls president ‘fading’. “There were immediate fallout from his 90-minute speech in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, December 9. According to one of the GOP’s most respected veterans, it was delivered in meandering, unfocused gibberish that revealed a troubling lack of stamina.” | International business times

Fetterman has no regrets about ending the shutdown without a deal on Obamacare subsidies. “Senator John Fetterman said during a Tuesday televised appearance that he does not regret voting to end the federal government shutdown, even though Democrats have received no guarantees to extend health care subsidies that are set to expire.” | PennLive

Democrats divided over efforts to force a vote on a stock trading ban by lawmakers. “It marks the latest complication in an issue that has vexed Congress for years and fueled numerous failed attempts at reform.” | Hill

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Country

2. Did President Trump disrespect Stacy Garrity? Depends on who you ask

“During his 94-minute speech Tuesday night in the Poconos President Donald Trump recognized many people, including three members of Congress from Pennsylvania – Ryan Mackenzie reps (R-07), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) i Dan Meuser (PA-09) – but he did not indicate it State Treasurer Stacy Garrity – the presumptive Republican candidate for governor – despite her presence.

On Wednesday morning, quarterbacks ask the obvious question – was it intentional? | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday endorses Treasurer Stacy Garrity for governor. “Garrity is the favorite to win the party’s nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2026, although GOP state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who lost to Shapiro in 2022, is still considering running.” | PennLive

Emerson/RCP Poll: Pennsylvanians Prefer Shapiro, Lose Artificial Intelligence. “According to a recent poll of 2,000 Pennsylvanians, they have a positive view of Governor Josh Shapiro and a negative view of artificial intelligence.” | PoliticsPA

A Pennsylvania Senate panel engages in a heated debate over immigrant trucking licenses. “Just weeks after federal authorities arrested an Uzbek terrorism suspect with a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license, state senators convened a fact-finding panel in Harrisburg to examine the details — without directly addressing the highly publicized event.” | WESA

Judge Emil Bove received an ethics complaint for attending a Trump rally. “One of the president’s court of appeals nominees, a former lawyer for the president, was in the crowd at the raucous event in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania.” | New York Times

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Independent voters file lawsuit in Commonwealth Court to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary elections

“A group of five independent voters, including a political commentator Michael Smerconish filed a lawsuit Wednesday asking a Pennsylvania court to lift the community’s ban on independent voters participating in primary elections.

The group argues that this provision is unconstitutional. This violates the right “to cast an equally weighted vote” and “to have an equal opportunity to have votes translated into representation” enshrined in the state constitution’s free and equal elections clause, the lawsuit claims. | Penn Capital Star

Elsewhere

A judge hears arguments in a Pennsylvania voter fraud case involving Trump’s pardon. “Defendant Matthew Laiss is accused of voting for Trump twice in the 2020 election – once in person in Florida and once by mail in Pennsylvania. At a hearing in federal court on Monday, he argued that Trump’s November 7 pardon of allies who tried to cushion his loss in 2020 should also apply to his alleged crimes.” | Vote for Pennsylvania

Delco residents brace for a 19% property tax hike — the second double-digit raise they’ll face in two years. “The tax increase would translate into an additional $188 per year on the average assessed home value in the county of $255,000.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

To power data centers, Pennsylvania is facing a modern fracking boom. “The rash of data centers planned in western Pennsylvania is worrying residents and environmentalists. The sprawling complexes will be powered by power plants burning fracked natural gas, the production of which has polluted the region’s air and water and is associated with health risks.” | Yale360 Environment

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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1 item

5. Circus dreams and stern struggles: leadership lessons from a literal ringmaster

“The lights are dim. It sounds serene. An acrobat is spinning in the air. The sequins sparkle in the hot spotlight and my strange little brain wonders, ‘What does marketing look like for a traveling circus that brings a whole modern market every other week?’

When I started looking for answers, I instead found one of the deepest and most profound conversations I’ve had in a long time.

And confirming my belief that sometimes the most essential lessons for marketers… do not come from marketers at all.” | HubSpot

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Thank you for starting your Thursday with us.
Find a way to make someone’s day better.

Veterans Day. A day when we can stop and remember the sacrifices of our veterans.

In today’s PoliticsPA Guide. SCOTUS to say whether full SNAP food payments can be resumed. PA election results by county for 2022-2025. Food trends for 2026.

Your morning pick-me-up. Pain lies on the river bank. Live

Weather in Pennsylvania
Plum | More and more clear, 38
Mercersburg | Mostly clear, 43
Clarks Peak | Cloudy, snow showers, 38

Sports PA
Eagles (7-2) | Zielona Zatoka 10-7 | Sun vs. Detroit
Sixes (6-4) | Tuesday vs. Boston
Flyers (8-5-2) | Wednesday vs. Edmonton
Penguins (9-5-3) | Friday in Nashville

What we hear. “I have never viewed my political party as an iron shackle keeping me to the party line,” he said. “And I don’t take positions out of self-interest. I take positions based on what I believe is right. I know it has cost me the support of a significant portion of my base, and I am well aware that it may cost me my seat. I am completely at peace with that.” – Senator John Fetterman

What are we watching?. Did you catch it Rep. Chris Deluzio ON “Daily show with Jon Stewart“last night?

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.

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The most crucial story

1. The Supreme Court is expected to say whether full SNAP food payments can be resumed

“It will be up to the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress to decide when full payments will resume under the SNAP food assistance program, which helps 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries amid growing financial pressure on families in some states.

The Supreme Court is expected to announce on Tuesday, upon request, among others: President Donald Trump administration not to block states from providing full benefits on the grounds that the money may be needed elsewhere.AP)

Elsewhere

SNAP distribution halted in Pennsylvania after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court ruling. “Approximately $295 million in SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania has been temporarily suspended. Pennsylvanians who have already received SNAP funds can continue to use them.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)

Democrat Suspension Civil War Breaks Over in Private Conversation. “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has vowed to fight the deal on the House floor and has floated the possibility of filing a discharge petition to force a vote on extending the ACA tax breaks, sources said. Several members, including Republican Madeleine Dean, praised Jeffries’ handling of the shutdown.” (Axles)

Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are furious with their colleagues over the agreement to shut down the Senate. “The bipartisan agreement will fully reopen the government by Jan. 30. The agreement does not include health care fixes demanded by Democrats, but it will provide funding for some federal programs, including food assistance and veterans benefits, through the next year.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)

VP’s Office Responds to AP Governor Who Said JD Vance Betrayed Appalachian Roots with Bull Bull Politics Over SNAP. “The dispute could be a sign of things to come as Vance and Josh Shapiro are top potential 2028 presidential contenders.” (Fox News)

At the town hall, Lee says that democracy may collapse and it will require sacrifices to save it. “Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee believes that we could be living with the decline of democracy in the United States and that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump is already authoritarian.” (WESA)

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Country

2. Democrats may sacrifice the climate agenda to break the budget impasse

“Governor Josh Shapiro and Democratic leaders are considering a budget deal that would exclude Pennsylvania from an interstate program that charges power plant operators for releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.

Lawmakers involved in talks to end the four-month budget impasse are mute on ongoing issues, and the exact details of a plan that would formally end the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) are not known.” (PA reflector)

Elsewhere

Supporters say a Trump-friendly Pennsylvania county could feel the pain of Medicaid cuts. “The consequences of President Donald Trump’s tent bill will hit particularly hard in some very rural communities that have put GOP politicians in office. Fayette County is one such place. In Pennsylvania, the once-thriving coal mining center is second only to Philadelphia in Medicaid enrollment rates, where nearly a third of the county’s residents and more than half of children and youth depend on the program.” (Erie Times-News)

Sports Betting Sites Seek to Suppress Any Tax Hike in Pennsylvania as Budget Deal Rumors Circulate. “The online sports betting industry has quickly mobilized to quell any possibility of tax increases on online betting as Pennsylvania’s 19-week budget woes appear to be coming to an end.” (PennLive)

McCormick tells New Yorkers, “The Keystone State is calling.” “Having picked up on the rumor that New Yorkers are considering leaving the Big Apple over the election of Zohran Momdani as mayor, Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick is playing the role of travel agent and defending the Commonwealth as an alternative.” (PolitykaPA)

Former Gov. Tom Wolf ’77 is calling the Nov. 5 election a “generational shift” for Democrats. “Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ’77 urged the next generation of politicians to lead with “virtue” at a Rockefeller Center for Public Policy event on November 6. “The salvation of our political system and nation lies in the rediscovery of virtue,” he said. (Dartmouth)

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Fun with Maps: Pennsylvania Election Results by County 2022-2025

“Much has been said about the results of the vote to retain Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices Christina Donohue, Kevin DoughertyAND David Wechtwho gained a modern 10-year term on the Commonwealth Supreme Court.

Democrats across the country celebrated the victory, which, combined with gubernatorial triumphs in New Jersey and Virginia, allowed talk of a “blue wave” among voters disenchanted with the Trump administration’s policies.

What does this mean for 2026?” (PolitykaPA)

Elsewhere

SCOTUS agrees to hear case related to mail-in ballot deadline. “Mail-by-mail ballots. A problem that just won’t go away. It’s hard to believe this doesn’t affect Pennsylvania.” (PolitykaPA)

Here’s the surprising change in voter turnout across the Central Pennsylvania region. “Voter turnout in the Harrisburg area is up compared to the municipal elections four years ago, with the main factors likely being the high-profile retention issue in the Supreme Court as well as dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s policies.” (PennLive)

Ed Gainey touts progress and warns of upcoming fiscal challenges in final budget speech. “The speech, which included former and current members of his administration and former campaign staff, also served as Mr. Gainey’s budget speech and farewell address. He reflected on his time in office as Pittsburgh’s first African-American mayor, programs his administration started and even initiatives that failed.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)

Third Circuit Court of Appeals Rules for Striking Pittsburgh Journalists. “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on Monday morning ruled in favor of Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh journalists in a federal case involving their more than three-year strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.” (Union Progress in Pittsburgh)

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Veterans are not victims, but some need aid | Senator Dave McCormick
• On Veterans Day, say thank you… and show it too | Scranton Times Tribune
• Democrats caved in the face of a shutdown as Trump’s indifference to Americans’ suffering became stronger | Questioner from Philadelphia
• John Fetterman’s memoir is unlike any politician you’ve ever read. | New York Times
• John Fetterman lays out the case for himself. It’s not very convincing | Washington Post Office
• Fetterman’s Bipartisan Power: The New Face of Pennsylvania Politics | James Williams
• The future of the Democratic Party is coalition. It is created together or not at all | Meredith Burak
• Blame the shutdown on citizens who prefer politicians to defeat their opponents | Robert Talisse
• AP election results signal danger for GOP in 2026 | John Hinshaw
• Reflections of a Pennsylvania Veteran | Seth Higgins
• Gazeta uses “change of standards” in case of downtime | Representative Rob Bresnahan

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1 item

5. Food trends for the New Year

“Bloody Marys aren’t the only cocktails that can double as apps – martinis are now snacks,” according to a forecast published this morning in The Infatuation, which provides culinary reviews across the country.

What else is trendy: Great pizza outside customary places like New York and Chicago, like at Sho Pizza Bar in Nashville, which serves Japanese-style Neapolitan dough.

Plus fancy coffees like Phê in matcha in Seattle with a side of banana pudding. (Infatuation)

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Thank you for starting your morning with us.
Let’s get through this frigid snap and see you tomorrow.

Thursday. This is the 129th day of the state budget impasse and the 37th day of the longest federal government shutdown in history.

In today’s PoliticsPA Guide. How AP Democrats roared to life in an off-year election Budget negotiators continue to work amid frustration amid a 128-day stalemate. Voter turnout skyrocketed throughout Pittsburgh as the Democratic vote grew in Pennsylvania and across the country. New mayor or general manager of the Penguins?

Your morning pick-me-up. Angel from Harlem. U2

Weather in Pennsylvania
Johnstown | Sunny, 60
Williamsport | Mostly clear, 53
King of Prussia | Sunny, 55

Sports PA
Sixes (5-3) | Cleveland 121-132 | Saturday vs. Toronto
Flyers (7-5-1) | Thu in Nashville
Penguins (8-4-2) | Thu vs. Washington

What we hear. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and the Problem Solvers Club proposing a change to the constitution to preserve the Senate filibuster.

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.

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The most critical story

1. How Pennsylvania Democrats roared to life in an off-year election

“Pennsylvania Democrats made 2025 a pretty good year for themselves on Election Day.

All in all, it was a welcome, sometimes surprising return for an event that saw equally determined Republican attacks in 2024 in a series of high-profile contests.

But how did it happen? As the dust settled, certain factors began to emerge.”(PennLive)

Elsewhere

Tuesday’s election results show a “rebirth” of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, says the party’s novel chairman. “Eugene DePasquale, who took the helm of the state party in September after a series of painful losses and financial problems, said Tuesday’s blue wave election results reflect a new beginning for Pennsylvania Democrats, who failed to attract enough voters in 2024 and lost their statewide voter registration advantage.”(Questioner from Philadelphia)

GOP says there’s a lot of work to do after losing PA Supreme Court fight. “Pennsylvania Republicans are taking stock of huge Democratic victories up and down in Tuesday’s votes, including a key state Supreme Court campaign focused on controversial state and national issues, as Gov. Josh Shapiro and other Democrats across the country celebrate their dominant position heading into the 2026 midterm elections.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)

A novel argument against increased ACA subsidies. “The subsidy structure of the Affordable Care Act, especially including pandemic-era improvements, discriminates against people with employer-based insurance and disincentivizes work, an influential conservative think tank argues in a new briefing.” (Axles)

Pennsylvanians are struggling with rising premiums and expiring subsidies on the Pennie Marketplace. “Central Pennsylvania counties like Fulton and Juniata will see some of the highest monthly increases at 411% and 485%.” (Penn Capital Star)

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Country

2. AP budget negotiators continue to work amid frustration amid 128 days of stalemate

“Negotiators seeking a deal on the long-stalled state budget reportedly made progress as Election Day progressed, but the 128-day stalemate has convinced some lawmakers that it’s time to shake things up in Harrisburg.

Bills are in circulation to reduce the size of the legislature by amending the constitution, suspending salaries in the event of an impasse and halting pay raises if the budget is not implemented on time. Similar bills have been pushed through without success in the past. But Democrats say the bitter aftertaste of this year’s long-term failure could be a catalyst Senator Lisa Boscola Northampton County, sponsor of the job cuts bill.”(Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)

Elsewhere

The lawmakers’ departure won’t shake the House’s control, but the budget impasse persists. “Four members of the state House of Representatives will have to resign from their positions after winning seats in Tuesday’s municipal and judicial elections. Their resignations should not disrupt the single-seat Democratic majority in the House of Representatives. Two of the departing members are Democrats and two are Republicans.” (LNP)

What happened to the survey printing problem in Chester County? “The error, which impacted the ability of tens of thousands of Chester County voters to regularly cast ballots on Election Day, occurred after county officials mistakenly failed to isolate third-party and unaffiliated voters from the state’s voter registration management database when creating the print poll file.” (Let him vote)

‘Bad time to be Latino’: pessimism rises in novel Axios-Ipsos poll. “Nearly two in three Latinos think it’s a bad time to be Latino or Latino in the U.S., according to a new Axios-Ipsos Latino Poll conducted in partnership with Noticias Telemundo, marking a sharp increase in pessimism since last year and a stark turnaround from three years ago. The survey shows Latinos’ overall sense of optimism, safety and belonging has declined in several ways since President Trump took office.” (Axles)

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Voter turnout skyrocketed throughout Pittsburgh as Democrats grew in Pennsylvania and across the country

“Across Pennsylvania and much of the country – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Richmond to New York – voters flocked to the polls to deliver dramatic victories for Democrats. Turnout in Pittsburgh was up by more than a third compared to the mayoral election four years ago.

Turnout in Pittsburgh is up by more than a third compared to the mayoral election four years ago. He rose by nearly two-thirds in statewide elections for three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices.”(Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)

Elsewhere

The Philadelphia suburbs saw their highest non-year voter turnout since 2011. “Voters in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties turned out in droves even though there were no at-large federal races.” (WHY)

Philadelphia-area suburban school board races had their own blue wave on Tuesday. “Tuesday night was a big night for Democrats across the country, and local school board races in suburban Philadelphia were no different.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)

Turnout and independent support propel Democrats to historic victories in Lehigh Valley. “Northampton County Executive-elect Tara Zrinski called it a blue wave, and Lehigh County Executive-elect Josh Siegel called it a landslide.” (LehighValley News)

Bucks County will see a transition of power when top seats turn blue on election night. “Although Bucks County – long considered ‘purple’ because it can swing either way in many elections – turned red in the 2024 election for President Donald Trump, that support may have been short-lived as voters in the county overwhelmingly voted for Democratic candidates on Tuesday.” (NBC Philadelphia)

Republican ousted from a Pennsylvania district who voted GOP for 113 years. “On November 4, Beaver County elected Democrat Lincoln Kretchmar as its new mayor. In doing so, Democrats broke the borough’s 113-year GOP streak.” (Newsweek)

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Does a novel mayor mean a novel era for Pittsburgh? | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper
• Tuesday’s vote shows the danger of kissing Trump’s ring | Tom Moran
• Will the 2025 election results predict the 2026 election results? | John Baer
• Trump really was on the ballot | Wall Street Journal
• The Night Democrats finally stopped losing | Jonathan Martin
• This election was the wake-up call Republicans needed for 2026 | David Winston
• High turnout shows Pennsylvania voters are engaged | Trib LIVE
• Competencies build trust. Incompetence destroys it | Wide + Freedom
• Democrats won in the AP Supreme Court (again) | Alex Burns

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1 item

5. New mayor or general manager of the Penguins? We see each other twice

“The newly elected mayor of Pittsburgh Corey O’Connor he has a body double if needed – and they both work in the same city.

Intrigue: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas looks a lot like O’Connor, and hockey fans on social media are having fun with the resemblance.

What They Say: “So THAT’s Why I Need Two Phones” – Hockey Writer Pete Blackburn posted on Tuesday evening X, sharing a viral photo of Dubas talking on two phones.” (Axios Pittsburgh)

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