Millions of dollars have been poured into three Pennsylvania House races that could determine which party controls the chamber in November.

According to the Cook Political Report Home Race Ratingsin which the competitiveness of all 435 chamber elections is assessed, 18 competitions are assessed as a draw. Pennsylvania hosts three such races, the most of any state. All three districts are currently represented by Republicans and have played key roles in Democrats’ path to regaining the House majority, making Pennsylvania’s races some of the most closely watched.

Governor Josh Shapiro In particular, (D) did not hesitate to invest in these breeds. Just last week, Shapiro announced a multimillion-dollar statewide campaign to support elect Democrats across Pennsylvania, signaling the importance of these races to Democrats

The Republican outperformed the Democrat in two of the three races through June 30, but two Democrats enter the field with more money.

7th District (Lehigh Valley)

Republican Representative Ryan Mackenzie has raised over $4.3 million as of June 30 inclusive $631,000 in the second quarter of the year. Almost half of them are funds for the second quarter ($300,000) came from joint fundraising committees. JFC headed by announcer Mike Johnson (R-La.) – Grow the Majority PAC – contributed $88,281 to the campaign, while Defend Our Majority, another committee associated with Johnson and the National Republican Congressional Committee, contributed $49,244. Emmer Majority Builders, a committee affiliated with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), $32,495 gift.

Another joint fundraising committee, Mackenzie for America, is affiliated with the National Republican Congressional Committee and is solely concerned with Mackenzie’s re-election, directs $76,225 for his campaign. Mackenzie just finished $2.9 million in cash as the race enters its final months.

Mackenzie who was approved By President Donald Trump he secured the presidency again in 2024 support as he runs for a second term.

Opposite Mackenzie on the ballot is a Democrat Bob Brookspresident of the Pennsylvania Firefighters Association. Brooks almost raised $2.4 million as of June 30 and most of this money ($1.9 million) came from individual contributions.

Stronger Together PA, a super PAC, spent over $1.8 million in ads supporting Brooks. It is mainly funded by trade unions such as the International Association of Firefighters Kamala Harrisaffiliated with Future Forward PAC and The Bench, a political action committee focused on “recruiting and supporting” the next generation of Democratic leaders, according to its website.

Brooks just finished 1 million dollars in cash as of June 30, after spending most of his war chest on: a very controversial primary school in May.

While Mackenzie continues to maintain a significant fundraising lead, Brooks significantly outperformed him in the second quarter, surpassing $1.2 million from April to June compared to Mackenzie $631,000. Brooks’ sturdy second-quarter fundraising suggests Democrats are increasing investment in a seat they believe is within reach.

8th District (Scranton/Northeastern Pennsylvania)

Republican Representative Rob Bresnahanwho is completing his first term in Congress, has raised the total amount $5.2 million this election cycle, spent $2.6 million. Bresnahan had $2.6 million in cash as of June 30.

In August 2025, End Citizens United – which advocates for campaign finance reforms – filed a proposal ethics complaint with the Office of Congressional Proceedings against Bresnahan, accusing him of failing to disclose ownership of a $1.5 million helicopter. Legislators are required to report in their annual financial reports any income received or assets worth more than $1,000.

Bresnan donated $55,836 to his campaign committee, Rob of the AP, from January 31 to June 30. He also received $1.9 million in PAC contributions while his challenger, a Democrat Paige Cognetti, received $429,599 from PACs.

Cognetti is the current mayor of Scranton, the largest city in the 8th District, and as of June 30, she had raised $4.6 million and spent more than $1.2 million. Nearly 90% of its funding comes from individual donations.

Late in the second quarter, Cognetti had it just over $3.4 million in cash compared to Bresnahan $2.6 millionputting her in a fundraising leadership role as November approaches.

10th District (Harrisburg/York)

Democrat Janelle Stelson picked up $6.4 million from June 30, which makes it highest fundraiser Candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last year. Stelson’s fundraising lead grew in the last quarter, with the former TV host raising $1.7 million between April and June.

Individual contributions total almost 77% of the funds collected by Stelson $4.9 million.

Stelson $45,000 paid between January 2024 and October 2025, Voting for America produced four podcast episodes titled “Voices of Central Pennsylvania With Janelle Stelson”, which are no longer available online.

Vote for America is led by alumni of the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tax records show the group had total income of less than $50,000 in 2025.

As of June 30, Stelson did almost $4.5 million in cash, preparing for the rematch Rep. Scott Perry (R) who defeated her just over 1% in 2024

Perry, who served seven terms in Congress, including as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus from 2022 to 2024, raised $5.2 million and spent $2.4 million, leaving him $2.8 million in cash.

The veteran lawmaker’s coffers are dominated by individual contributions, accounting for 60% of his total dollars, with more than half coming from donors who gave more than $200 to the campaign. Perry also received over $650,000 in PAC contributionsWith $31,000 comes from the American Israel Public Affairs Commission and $77,430 comes from the PAC associated with the Club for Development, which supporters for free enterprise.

Votebeat is a nonprofit organization reporting on voting access and election administration across the United States Sign up for the free Votebeat Pennsylvania newsletter here.

The movement to change Pennsylvania’s voting laws is all but dead.

Despite bipartisan support for changes in Harrisburg, no major election law has passed since the state passed it postal voting without excuses in 2020. Since then, the issue has become deeply partisan. Bills routinely make it to the GOP-controlled state Senate or Democratic-controlled House and then languish in the other chamber. AND The council was to advise the legislature regarding cross-party solutions remains inactive.

But will that change if Democrats win a trifecta of state government this fall – control of the state Senate, House of Representatives and governor? What policies would they prioritize?

Republicans controlled all three for a long time, most recently from 2011 to 2014. During that period, they passed primary voter identification requirement that was ultimately the case invalidated in court. Meanwhile, Democrats in Pennsylvania haven’t held both houses or the governorship since 1993. Even then, the trifecta lasted just one year.

But there is a path, albeit a hard one, to Democrats regaining unified control in November’s midterm elections.

Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro runs the state Treasurer Stacy Garrityhis Republican competitor, by over 20 points some recent polls.

Democrats would also need to maintain a slim majority in the House and flip the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 27-23 majority. That would require stopping them the place they replaced last year in Lancaster County and acquire fresh ones in potentially vulnerable neighborhoods in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia suburbs.

Democrats have reason to believe these seats are within reach. Conventional political wisdom he keeps it up when a sitting president does it low approval ratingsthe opposing political party usually has a good year in the midterms.

If Democrats can do this, it will be easier for them to pass voting law changes that have eluded them in recent years.

They may also face political pressure from their base to go further and continue the mid-decade partisan redrawing of borders that other single-party-controlled states such as Texas and California have recently undertaken.

Pennsylvania Democrats laid out their electoral priorities this legislative session

During this legislative session, Democrats have made clear what their electoral priorities are.

Last May, the State House adopted an omnibus electoral bill sponsored by Democrats Speaker Joanna McClinton (Delaware/Philadelphia), which would significantly change the elections in Pennsylvania.

The bill would introduce true in-person early voting instead of the current, time-consuming process of ordering and dropping off an absentee ballot at your local elections office; ordered the creation of at least two mailboxes in each district; and required counties to adopt electronic surveys until 2027.

It would also give counties more time to prepare absentee ballots for counting before Election Day. Supporters say this preparation, called pre- canvassing, leads to faster election results. The state House also recently passed the pre-canvassing resolution as a separate bill.

Earlier this month at rally for voting rights at the state capitolMcClinton again called on the state Senate to consider her omnibus bill.

“We will have everything necessary so that we can continue to have a voice in this democracy,” she said of what the situation would look like if her bill were passed.

State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Senate Minority Leader, responded to McClinton’s call on Xsaying Senate Democrats are ready to take up the bill. But the bill failed to come up for a vote in the Republican-controlled Senate because GOP leaders insisted that any election law include expanded voter ID requirements.

Asked how the election policy discussion will change in the Democratic-led Senate, Costa emphasized many of the issues included in McClinton’s bill, as well as other Democratic priorities: pre- canvassing, drop boxes, electronic polling, pre-registration of voters who turn 18 on Election Day, early voting and same-day voter registration.

He also mentioned opening Pennsylvania’s primary elections to independent and third-party voters. This is a proposal that has gained many supporters double-sided grip in recent years.

“We want to make it easier for people to vote, but at the same time have a fair system,” Costa said.

Costa added that if Democrats pass these proposals next session, they will also try to provide districts with funding to implement them.

McClinton’s bill also included funding to support counties implement the changes. This would authorize up to $60 million in bonds for fresh equipment, provide $2 million for electronic survey log review and approval, and allocate approximately $100,000 per year plus benefits to pay the fresh employee.

Would electoral changes be a priority for Democrats?

If Democrats won the trifecta, they would certainly have many things on their wish list other than electoral politics. But Kyler Millera former Democratic Senate staffer who now works as a policy advocate for the nonpartisan group Protect Democracy believes the election legislation would be fairly close to the top – perhaps even in the top three.

– Miller said President Donald Trump the voting attacks raised the issue for Democrats, pointing to the Justice Department’s position trying to get election materials and voter rolls, as well as threats of rejection unfavorable election results.

“This playbook used against American elections is by far the most important issue for Democrats and their electorate,” he said. “People have been fighting for years for the right to vote, which has been slowly restricted over time by the administration and the Supreme Court.”

Miller agreed that the trio of Democrats would likely focus on passing priorities already identified, such as pre-canvassing and codifying some court decisions.

State courts in recent years required counties to apply a mail-in voter notification system if election officials determine that their ballots will be rejected due to a correctable error. They also affirmed voters’ right to count provisional ballots if their absentee ballot is rejected. Voting rights advocates praised both decisions, but advocates and lawmakers alike expressed frustration that the Legislature had not clarified the ambiguities itself.

Miller also said the state should provide more funding for security and training for election officials, given the exodus of experienced local officials in recent years.

Could Democrats try to redraw Pennsylvania’s congressional map?

With full control of state government, Democrats would also have the ability to redraw Pennsylvania’s congressional map to provide their party with greater advantages.

Current map selected by the state Supreme Court in 2022, after partisan gridlock in the Legislature, elected 10 Republican and 7 Democrat representatives to Congress in 2024. However, you can draw a map containing as many as 12 or 13 safe and sound Democratic seats.

Over the past year, several other states, including Texas AND Californiathey redrew their congressional lines within an unprecedented mid-decade wave of gerrymandering.

Last year, Shapiro said he did not seek mid-decade redistricting and called Texas’ redrawing “disgraceful.”

A Shapiro campaign spokesman did not respond to questions about whether Shapiro would continue partisan redistricting if Democrats win the trifecta, or what specific election law priorities he would pursue. But the press secretary Repozy itself said in a statement that the Republican grip on power is an obstacle to broader changes in electoral law.

“For more than 30 years, majority Republican senators have stood in the way of more progress we could make in the commonwealth,” Reposa said, citing specifically “the passage of key reforms to protect our democracy.”

Erika Clayton-Wrightstate spokesman Senate President pro tempore Kim Ward (D-Westmoreland) responded in an email that Senate Republicans are the “last line of defense” protecting taxpayers on a variety of issues, including “election security.”

“Pennsylvanians know [Democratic] policies are detrimental to positioning our Commonwealth for growth, which will prevent the trifecta in Pennsylvania,” she said.

Even if the three Democrats redrew Pennsylvania’s congressional map, they would likely face legal action. Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled in 2018 that partisan gerrymandering violated the state constitution by throwing out the GOP-drawn congressional map.

Carter Walker is a Votebeat reporter with Spotlight PA. Contact Carter at [email protected]

Votebeat is a nonprofit organization dedicated to local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters Here.

The latest episode of the PoliticsPA podcast, Voices of Reason, covers the May 19 primary elections in Pennsylvania for both Republicans and Democrats.

As you prepare to vote for your candidate of choice, PoliticsPA’s Steve Ulrich says Emily BreyState Director of Americans for Prosperity Pennsylvania and Colin Seeberger, Senior advisor at the Center for American (*19*) presents vital issues and discusses election challenges.

To receive more Pennsylvania political news every weekday morning, sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook at PoliticsPA.com

Good morning. Have you planned to vote today?

???? PA Policy Manual Headings. Democrats hope to flip seats held by Republicans once the primaries are decided. McCormick: “Pennsylvania’s moment has come.” Procrastinators’ Guide to Primary School 2026. All the information you need on primary election day.

???? Your morning, pick me up. Get up, get up. Bob Marley and The Wailers

Weather in Pennsylvania
???? Washington | Mostly sunlit, 88
Allentown | Mostly sunlit, 95
Philadelphia | Mostly sunlit, 97

Sports PA
Phillies (25-23) | Cincinnati 5-4 | Tuesday vs. Cincinnati
Pirates (24-23) | Tuesday in St. Louis

Primaries 2026. Join us on Twitter tonight for live election results in key races across the Commonwealth. You can also check out our Pennsylvania primary previews, polls and prediction markets.

???? Voices of reason. The latest episode of the PoliticsPA podcast “Voices of Reason” covers Tuesday’s primary elections. Host Steve Ulrich talks about politics with Emily Brey Americans for Prosperity and Colin Seeburger Center for American Progress on election issues.

???? What we see. A survey by Fabrizio Ward found that 80% of Pennsylvanians regardless of political party are more likely to support candidates who prioritize expanding Alzheimer’s disease coverage. Nearly 9 in 10 voters express concern that some Alzheimer’s disease patients cannot get FDA-approved diagnostic tests or FDA-approved treatments recommended by their doctors because private insurance plans and Medicare delay or deny coverage.

???? Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

???? PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

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The most critical story

1. Pennsylvania Democrats hope to flip seats held by Republicans after the primary election is decided

“Democrats in Pennsylvania will settle major disputes on Tuesday to shape their congressional makeup for the fall elections, when they hope to win the state’s four swing districts and ultimately a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Governor Josh Shapiro and national Democrats are promoting candidates of their choice at the expense of progressive rivals, the latest example of a rift that has divided the party as it seeks a path back to power in Washington.

The campaigns will put Pennsylvania on the front lines of Democrats’ efforts to regain control of Congress and lock down the final two years President Donald Trump agenda.” | AP

Elsewhere

Pennsylvania could be key to winning Congress: Primary elections set up key races for House and governor. “Voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania head to the polls on Tuesday in a primary election that will feature battles crucial to control of both the state and the House in the 2026 midterm elections. Both sides know how crucial the state is to their efforts.” | ABC News

PA-03: “We’re Facing an Existential Crisis”: Changing the Rock Divide The Race for the Bluest House in the Country. “The impending loss of Black House districts in the South has raised the stakes in Philadelphia’s open-seat primary.” | POLICY

PA-03: A crowded, steep and combative race in Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District comes to an unpredictable end. “The way the candidates spent the final days of the campaign provides insight into the demographic and geographic blocs they believe must prevail on Tuesday.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA-07: “Stay Out”: Taking Sides with a Pennsylvania Preschool Causes Some Problems. “Bob Brooks already had strong support heading into the final stretch of his congressional primary. But the late show of support is met with resistance from Democrats with whom he may soon serve in Washington. ” | Multiple Sclerosis Now

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Country

2. McCormick: “Pennsylvania’s Moment Has Come”

“Speaking to the Pennsylvania Press Club on Monday, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick stated that “now is the moment for Pennsylvania to take national leadership at a time of profound change.”

“This is a moment unlike any change in the nature of work, change in productivity, change in national security, change in the way we interact with each other, change in the nature of work,” he continued. “This is a moment like no other, and we have to figure out how to seize it, mitigate the risks, seize the incredible opportunity, and we have to make sure Pennsylvania stays at the forefront of this moment.” | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Why Josh Shapiro isn’t acting like other 2028 prospects. “The Pennsylvania governor’s focus on the state stands in contrast to other potential presidential candidates.” | New York Times

Fetterman blames STOCK Act violation on ‘administrative error’. “Senator John Fetterman disclosed, with a delay of about a year, that in April 2025 he purchased corporate bonds for First Citizens BancShares, the holding company of First Citizens Bank, in the name of one of his dependent children, records show.” | known

A battleground state with few combatants – why Pennsylvania’s primaries are uncontested. “As tight primaries in Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio become national news, perennial battleground Pennsylvania appears to be going through one of its sleepiest primary seasons in a long time.” | Conversation

PA-03: Anonymous text messages attacking Chris Rabb came from the street campaign and the Democratic Party. “The unsigned text messages violated federal election rules because they did not clearly identify who sent them: the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee, which is coordinating state senator Sharif Street’s campaign after he won the party’s official endorsement, according to a Street campaign spokesman.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA-14: Alan Bradstock will continue to campaign for PA Congress following cancer diagnosis. “Alan Bradstock, the Democratic candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 14th congressional district, announced on social media on Monday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.” | WTAE

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. A guide for procrastinators after primary school 2026

“Now’s your chance.

If you thought that things were going well politically – or that they weren’t and that a change was needed – today is the day to assess the way forward.’ | LehighValley News

Elsewhere

2026 AP Primary Voter Guide. “Registered Democratic and Republican voters in Pennsylvania will choose the candidates they want to represent their parties in the November general election, as both sides fight for control of Harrisburg and Washington.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Fundamental Rights Day 2026: how to vote and what’s on the ballot. “Democratic and Republican voters today will nominate midterm general election candidates who will give voters the opportunity to have their say on the second half of President Donald Trump’s term.” | Public source

Advocates urge Pennsylvania to abandon its closed primary system. “Nearly 1.5 million independent and third-party voters are barred from participating in partisan primaries in the commonwealth.” | Penn Capital Star

Krasner criticizes House committee over immigration investigations in Philadelphia. “Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner formally — and sharply — responded to the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, telling Republican Party leaders that its investigations into the city’s handling of immigration have no legal or factual basis.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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5. What time do polls open and close on Tuesday in Pennsylvania? All the information you need on primary election day 2026

“The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is coming up.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. ” | PA reflector

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Thank you for starting election day with us.
Please make your voice heard and VOTE.

Now it’s as official as it can be, considering the election hasn’t been certified yet.

It will be the incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro against the Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity for Governor of Pennsylvania on November 3.

Shapiro was unmatched in his pursuit of the nomination and a potential second term.

“We have done a lot over the last few years – growing our economy and creating thousands of good-paying jobs, investing in public education and law enforcement, defending our freedoms and democracy – but there is much more to do,” Shapiro said at a post-election rally in Bucks County. “Tonight, with a commitment to continue to fight and serve on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I proudly accept the Democratic nomination for re-election as governor of this great Commonwealth. This year in Pennsylvania, we have the power to end the chaos, cruelty and corruption of Donald Trump and his administration and forge a better path forward for our Commonwealth and our country – and we intend to utilize it. This is our task, this is our time, this is our task – and we are ready win.

“This November, Pennsylvanians will have the power to not only change the trajectory of our Commonwealth, but also our country, by electing strong Democratic leaders who will work with me in Harrisburg and reverse the balance of power in the United States House of Representatives.”

Garrity was the only candidate on the Republican Party ballot and faced a grassroots candidacy written by state supporters Senator Doug Mastriano. Mastriano, who was defeated by Shapiro in the 2022 general election, was recently nominated by President Donald Trump become the Ambassador of Slovakia.

“When I announced my candidacy to be the next governor of Pennsylvania, I promised that ‘help is on the way,’” Garrity said after the polls closed. “That statement rang true then, and even more so today, with the overwhelming support of GOP voters across the Commonwealth. The responsibility Pennsylvania Republicans have entrusted me with today is not one I take lightly. My commitment is to work every day between now and the November general election to defeat Josh Shapiro.”

“Make no mistake: it will take all of us to defeat Josh Shapiro this November. Josh Shapiro has raised millions in campaign contributions from liberal billionaires and is a darling of the national Democratic establishment. We need Republicans, Independents and like-minded Democrats across Pennsylvania to step up, get involved and help carry our message of a better future for Pennsylvania to all 67 counties.”

Democrats were quick to criticize the GOP nominee.

“Stacy Garrity is an extreme MAGA candidate who is more focused on showing her loyalty to Donald Trump than defending our Commonwealth,” she said Ava Pitruzzellospokesman for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. “Even though Garrity supports Trump’s disastrous, cost-of-living agenda — from his war of choice that has raised gas prices to health care cost cuts that force families to choose between groceries and insurance — Pennsylvanians see they can’t trust Garrity to put them first.”

“Stacy Garrity is an extreme election denier who has proven at every turn that her loyalty is to Donald Trump, not the people of Pennsylvania,” she said Meghan Meehan-Draperexecutive director of the Democratic Governors Association. “As costs continue to rise, Garrity supports the chaotic policies of Washington Republicans that have killed jobs, raised health care costs and continue to make life more expensive. She opposes bipartisan efforts to invest in Pennsylvania schools and communities, and has even been caught trying to erase her long history of opposing abortion rights.”

“While Governor Josh Shapiro has been a strong, bipartisan leader for all Pennsylvanians, Stacy Garrity could not be more wrong about Pennsylvania, and we look forward to ensuring that her 100% MAGA agenda never comes anywhere near the Governor’s office.”

The Republican Governors Association praised GOP voters’ decision.

“From fighting waste, fraud and abuse to bringing greater transparency to state government, Pennsylvania families know they can trust Stacy Garrity to restore the Commonwealth.”

This story will be updated throughout the night

It was a joyful night for progressives in the City of Brotherly Love and across the country Rep. Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District seat, a position he held after his retirement Representative Dwight Evans.

The Associated Press called the race for Rabbah at 10:43 p.m.

As of 10:30 p.m., Rabb had collected nearly 44 percent of the vote to easily overtake the state Senator Sharif Street AND Dr. Unfortunately, Stanford who obtained 29.4 and 24.4 percent, respectively.

PA-03 is arguably the bluest district in the country, and Rabb is expected to win the November election because no Republicans entered the race.

Rabb, who has been a vocal critic of U.S. military support for Israel, has gained plenty of support from progressive members of Congress such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) i Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.), who supported him in the last days before the elections.

The steep campaign, estimated at $9.84 million by financial data platform Quiver Quantitative, reflects political divisions between the centrist arm of the Democratic Party, represented by Street and Stanford, and its progressive wing, championed by Rabb.

This story will be updated.

???? Good morning.

PA Policy Manual Headings. Trump tells Fitzpatrick: “Voting against me doesn’t work well.” Four Swing House races loom huge for both sides. Bucks County is poised to become the center of the political universe (again). 12 amazing towns in Pennsylvania to visit

???? Your morning, pick me up. My shot. Lin-Manuel Miranda

Weather in Pennsylvania
City of Ellwood | Mostly overcast, 70s
???? Gettysburg | Rain, 60
Kutztown | Showers, 61

Sports PA
Phillies (25-25) | Cincinnati 4-9 | Friday vs. Cleveland
Pirates (25-24) | St. Louis 7-0 | Thu at St. Louis

What we hear. CQ-Roll call lists Representative Ryan Mackenzie in PA-07 as the sixth most vulnerable member of the House entering the general election period.

Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].

PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.

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The most essential story

1. Trump Tells Fitzpatrick: “Voting against me doesn’t work well.”

“Speaking to reporters on Wednesday on the way to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, President Donald Trump he took the time to discredit Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) for not fully supporting the president and his program.

Trump silenced a Fox News reporter’s question Jacqui Heinrich about the Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu offer some off-the-wall observations about the five-term congressman from Bucks County.

“But her husband keeps voting against me. Can you imagine? I don’t know what’s happening to him,” Trump told reporters. “You better ask him what’s going on with him. Her husband is married to a certain congressman. He likes to vote against Trump. You know what happens with that… it doesn’t turn out well. ” | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

The rabbi’s election was a gigantic night for Philadelphia progressives and a rebuke to the Democratic establishment. “Chris Rabb’s victory comes amid a nationwide wave of momentum among left-wing candidates leaning toward economic populism. The Working Families Party declared: ‘The machine is dead.'” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Rabb’s victory defies the machine and shows the familiar division in the Democratic Party. “The victory showed the strength of support for a progressive legislator who broke through the party machine that supported his opponent, State Sen. Sharif Street.” | Wide + Freedom

Democrats intend to close Trump’s $1.8 billion “weaponization” fund.. “The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee is introducing legislation that would block a $1.8 billion fund for payments to people who say they have been the target of politically motivated persecution. Why it matters: Rep. Jamie Raskin (R-Md.) may win GOP support for the effort, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Mo.) told reporters on Wednesday he would ‘try to kill’ the fund.” | Axles

McCormick remains still as Fetterman opposes Trump’s controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund as a ‘weird thing’. “Sen. John Fetterman has come out against President Donald Trump’s nearly $1.8 billion so-called ‘counter-gun’ fund, while Sen. Dave McCormick remains still on the controversial issue.” | (*21*)PennLive

Fetterman’s chief of staff resigns. “Cabelle St. John has served on Fetterman’s staff since he first arrived in Washington approximately three and a half years ago. She became his chief of staff in 2025.” | Axles

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Country

2. Pennsylvania’s four swing house races look gigantic for both sides – and in 2028, too

“Control of the House of Representatives may come down to four key battleground races in Pennsylvania.

With an increasingly constrained competitive map, both Democrats and Republicans are stressing the importance of these campaigns, which will soon bring a flood of money and investment from both sides.’ | NBC News

Elsewhere

“We’ve never been this bad.” Eastern Pennsylvania weighs higher costs. “With two swing districts, the region from Scranton to Allentown could decide control of the House, and voters express deep concern.” | New York Times

Affordability is high compared to four key competitions in Pennsylvania. “Primaries across Pennsylvania set the stage for some of the most closely watched House battlegrounds in the 2026 midterm elections, with four Republican-controlled districts emerging as critical fronts in the fight for control of the chamber.” | Washington Examiner

Midterm Showdown: What to watch as the race in District 8 intensifies. “Well before Tuesday’s primary, the proverbial punches had already been thrown in the midterm contest between U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan and Democratic Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti.” | Scranton Times Tribune

‘Paige Against The Machine’: How the Democrat Who Defied Her Party Is Now Attacking the Swing House District. “In trying to flip Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, Paige Cognetti is once again presenting herself as an alternative to self-interested politics.” | CNN

Stelson targets Perry for veterans, affordability in the first event of the campaign since her primary victory. “Democrat Janelle Stelson did not shy away from direct attacks on incumbent Republican Scott Perry in her first public appearance since Tuesday’s primary victory.” | PennLive

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Bucks County is ready to become the center of the political universe (again)

“In the mid-20th century, NASA astronauts like John Glenn, Neil ArmstrongAND Buzz Aldrin trained for the groundbreaking Mercury and Apollo missions in the Bucks County Naval Aerospace Development Center’s centrifuge, which spun at 173 miles per hour, mimicking the swirling gravitational forces of space.

Decades later, a raucous crowd of Democrats gathered in the same place – a piece of space history now transformed into a sprawling event hall called The Fuge – embarking on their own ambitious mission: to upend the U.S. House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate in the fall. | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

Stacy Garrity and Josh Shapiro’s still primary for Pennsylvania governor is over. “With the primary election over, the attention of the Pennsylvania political world now turns to the most important race in the November general election: governor.” | PA reflector

The website lays out Democrats’ plan to attack Garrity in the AP governor’s race. “If the new website is any indication of how the governor’s race is going, Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity will need a very thick skin.” | PennLive

Two local officials removed by voters, including the longest-serving Democrat in the Pennsylvania House. “Despite low turnout, voters elected new blood to represent them in Harrisburg by huge margins in Delaware and Philadelphia counties, where incumbent Reps. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) and Keith Harris (D-Philadelphia) lost their seats.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Original loss of Allegheny County Council Chairman Sign of the times. “Political observers say Brittany Bloam’s landslide victory in the suburban primary wasn’t just about anti-transgender mail, and a challenge to Council President Pat Catena could deliver another blow to a weakening power base.” | Public source

Attorney General Dave Sunday is appealing the decision to overturn AP’s ban on Medicaid-funded abortions. “Pennsylvania’s Republican attorney general is appealing a Commonwealth Court decision last month invalidating a ban on using Medicaid to pay for abortions.” | Penn Capital Star

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Senator McCormick faces an impossible choice: loyalty to party or Pennsylvania families | Joyce M. Davis
• We exclude independent voters at our own political risk Chris Brennan
• 100 years ago they used violence to promote white supremacy. Now they are resorting to the courts Paul L. Newman
• Pennsylvania’s data center boom shouldn’t leave working families in the shadowy | Chad Quinn
• Heat waves are driving up energy bills, but Pennsylvania has a better option | Chris D’Agostino
• Powering Pennsylvania’s Future | Matt Espenshade

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5. 12 amazing towns in Pennsylvania worth visiting in 2026

“Pennsylvania is one of the most interesting and quirky states in the country. The state offers a variety of offbeat celebrations and attractions that appeal to almost everyone. Take Punxsutawney, for example. This small town attracts tens of thousands of tourists from around the world for the annual Groundhog Day celebration. And that’s just the beginning. In the town of Mars there is a statue of a flying saucer, and in Monroeville there is a shopping mall made famous by one of the most popular zombie movies of the time.” | Atlas of the World

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Thank you for starting your day with us.
It’s time to plan your trip around the Keystone State. See you tomorrow

Now it’s as official as it can be, considering the election hasn’t been certified yet.

It will be the incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro against the Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity for Governor of Pennsylvania on November 3.

Shapiro was unmatched in his pursuit of the nomination and a potential second term.

“We have done a lot over the last few years – growing our economy and creating thousands of good-paying jobs, investing in public education and law enforcement, defending our freedoms and democracy – but there is much more to do,” Shapiro said at a post-election rally in Bucks County. “Tonight, with a commitment to continue to fight and serve on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I proudly accept the Democratic nomination for re-election as governor of this great Commonwealth. This year in Pennsylvania, we have the power to end the chaos, cruelty and corruption of Donald Trump and his administration and forge a better path forward for our Commonwealth and our country – and we intend to utilize it. This is our task, this is our time, this is our task – and we are ready win.

“This November, Pennsylvanians will have the power to not only change the trajectory of our Commonwealth, but also our country, by electing strong Democratic leaders who will work with me in Harrisburg and reverse the balance of power in the United States House of Representatives.”

Garrity was the only candidate on the Republican Party ballot and faced a grassroots candidacy written by state supporters Senator Doug Mastriano. Mastriano, who was defeated by Shapiro in the 2022 general election, was recently nominated by President Donald Trump become the Ambassador of Slovakia.

“When I announced my candidacy to be the next governor of Pennsylvania, I promised that ‘help is on the way,’” Garrity said after the polls closed. “That statement rang true then, and even more so today, with the overwhelming support of GOP voters across the Commonwealth. The responsibility Pennsylvania Republicans have entrusted me with today is not one I take lightly. My commitment is to work every day between now and the November general election to defeat Josh Shapiro.”

“Make no mistake: it will take all of us to defeat Josh Shapiro this November. Josh Shapiro has raised millions in campaign contributions from liberal billionaires and is a darling of the national Democratic establishment. We need Republicans, Independents and like-minded Democrats across Pennsylvania to step up, get involved and help carry our message of a better future for Pennsylvania to all 67 counties.”

Democrats were quick to criticize the GOP nominee.

“Stacy Garrity is an extreme MAGA candidate who is more focused on showing her loyalty to Donald Trump than defending our Commonwealth,” she said Ava Pitruzzellospokesman for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. “Even though Garrity supports Trump’s disastrous, cost-of-living agenda — from his war of choice that has raised gas prices to health care cost cuts that force families to choose between groceries and insurance — Pennsylvanians see they can’t trust Garrity to put them first.”

“Stacy Garrity is an extreme election denier who has proven at every turn that her loyalty is to Donald Trump, not the people of Pennsylvania,” she said Meghan Meehan-Draperexecutive director of the Democratic Governors Association. “As costs continue to rise, Garrity supports the chaotic policies of Washington Republicans that have killed jobs, raised health care costs and continue to make life more expensive. She opposes bipartisan efforts to invest in Pennsylvania schools and communities, and has even been caught trying to erase her long history of opposing abortion rights.”

“While Governor Josh Shapiro has been a strong, bipartisan leader for all Pennsylvanians, Stacy Garrity could not be more wrong about Pennsylvania, and we look forward to ensuring that her 100% MAGA agenda never comes anywhere near the Governor’s office.”

The Republican Governors Association praised GOP voters’ decision.

“From fighting waste, fraud and abuse to bringing greater transparency to state government, Pennsylvania families know they can trust Stacy Garrity to restore the Commonwealth.”

This story will be updated throughout the night

Bob Brookspresident of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, was announced by the Associated Press as the winner of the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.

As of 10 p.m., Brooks had won 41.43 percent of the vote — 20 percent more than the former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell which was second with 21.13%. Former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure he was a close third with 20.73% while he was energy director Carol Obando-Derstine was fourth with 16.7%.

“As a Bethlehem firefighter, I have spent 20 years running into burning buildings because nothing is more important to me than protecting the community I love,” Brooks said in a post-election statement. “I have met the challenges of everyday people, and I know firsthand what it’s like to work multiple jobs at once to get by. I’ve worked hard to get through this crisis, and today I’m honored to stand before us as the Democratic candidate in Congress, representing the hard-working men and women of the Lehigh Valley and Carbon County. This is a victory for every person in our community who has felt left behind, is tired of a broken Washington, and is ready to send more working-class voices to Congress to fight for us.”

“My opponent Congressman Ryan Mackenzie he is a career politician who lied to our faces while campaigning on promises to cut costs. Prices of everything from gas to groceries to health care skyrocketed while Mackenzie was in Washington, D.C., and he voted to spend billions of dollars in Iran while our community is left behind, gas prices rise and Americans lose their lives. Working people across the Lehigh Valley struggle while Mackenzie does the bidding of Donald Trump, his DC party bosses, and the corporate donors who own him. Sufficiently. It’s time to send one of us to Congress to actually fight for our families and make life more affordable. We will complete the task in November.”

In his victory speech, Brooks, who won the endorsement of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapirothanked McClure, Crosswell and Obando-Derstine for running spirited campaigns focused on holding Mackenzie accountable.

The National Republican Congressional Committee congratulated Mackenzie, a freshman representative who stepped aside Rep. Susan Wild in 2024

“Congressman Ryan Mackenzie spent his first term fighting to lower the cost of living, improve community safety and provide much-needed tax relief to Pennsylvania workers, families and seniors,” a spokesman said Reilly Richardson. “Bernie Bro Bob Brooks is a far-left socialist and a polling fraud whose entire campaign is supported by DC Democrats. Voters know Brooks’ tax and spend agenda would devastate the Lehigh Valley, which is why they will re-elect Ryan Mackenzie in November.”

Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), a super PAC endorsed by announcer Mike Johnson and House Republican Party leaders also saluted Mackenzie, who ran unopposed.

“I congratulate Ryan Mackenzie on winning another jackpot. As a tireless advocate for American families, Ryan has consistently pursued key priorities: cutting taxes, expanding the child tax credit, and freeing up domestic energy production to lower utility costs,” said CLF President Chris Winkelman. “Bob Brooks cannot be trusted. If he is willing to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from his family members, he will steal it from working families in Pennsylvania. We can’t wait to expose him for the fraud he is.”

This story will be updated.

Ford Turner, Central Square

(Central Square) – On May 19, both longtime and relatively modern incumbent state lawmakers will face primary election challenges as the journey toward transforming the 2027-2028 Legislature begins.

Seven-year-old Democrat Senator Anthony Williams Philadelphia and a three-term Republican Senator Bartolotta’s Chamber in Washington County, for example, are among the officials who face opponents from their own party. Among many contentious House primaries, a 19-year Republican incumbent Representative Dan Moul in Adams County he has two intra-party competitors; and two second-term Allegheny County Democrats – Reps. La’Tasha Mayes AND Abigail Salisbury – they also have challengers.

Some say the environment this year heading into the Nov. 3 general election appears to favor Democrats.

“Time is important,” he said Chris BorickMuhlenberg College professor and interviewer. “There is no doubt that the winds are toward the Republican Party in this midterm cycle.”

According to Borick, one source is the classic midterm opposition to the party in the White House. Others, he added, take into account low poll numbers President Donald Trump and the “overall vote,” which shows a mighty tilt toward Democrats.

Glenn GeissingerNorthampton County GOP chairman, isn’t so sure.

Geissinger said talk of “blue winds” or a “blue tsunami” this year may be overstating what’s actually happening. He admitted that “public opinion is very concerned about what is happening abroad. The conflict with Iran was not of anyone’s interest.”

The “micro-focus” on gas prices – the average unleaded price was $4.67 a gallon in the state on Monday, up 42% from the price a year earlier – has partially overshadowed mighty domestic policy decisions and military achievements in the Iran conflict, Geissinger said.

In Pennsylvania, Republicans have a 27-23 majority in the state Senate. At least some Democrats feel they have a chance to flip the chamber.

“We feel better than we have in decades,” he said Brittany Crampsiespokesman for the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. She said many voters are “angry about what happened in Washington” since 2024.

At least four state Senate seats held by Republicans – those with Sense. Jarrett Coleman Lehigh County Tracy Pennycuick montgomery county Frank Farry Bucks County and Rosemary Brown According to Crampsie, they are of particular interest to Democrats this year.

Each of the four is completing their first four-year term, and each of their districts is Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro won the 2022 gubernatorial vote. None of the four has a primary opponent, but each will face a Democrat in November.

Republicans have been elected to the Senate majority multiple times, he said Michał Słomkaspokesman for the Republican Senate Campaign Committee. He said: “We are optimistic.”

Although Coleman does not have a primary challenger in his 16th Senate District, which includes parts of Lehigh and Bucks counties, two Democrats will face each other in the primary. According to the chairwoman of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee Lori McFarlandit’s a “highly competitive” contest between progressive Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsleyand a centrist, teacher and member of the Pennridge School Board Bradley Merkel-Gump.

She added that the district Democratic committee will support the winner.

“If we are ever going to take back the Senate, it will be now,” McFarland said.

Williams, a Democrat who has represented the 8th Senate District for about 28 years, faces a primary challenge David Goldsmith Jr.real estate agent. Bartolotta, a Republican who has represented the 46th Senate District for 11 years, faces a major challenge Albert Buchtanfounder of a stonemasonry company.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was controlled by Republicans for 12 years ending in early 2023. Democrats have held control since then, and the current slim 102-101 advantage has remained there for most of the last three-plus years.

Taking back the House of Representatives and maintaining control of the Senate is “one of our main goals for 2026,” a spokesman for the state Republican Party said Jim Markley.

There are many contested primaries.

Moul, who has represented the 91st House District for 19 years, is being challenged by a Conewago Valley School Board member Lindsay Krug and chairman of the Littlestown Area School Board Nick Lovell.

Meanwhile, both Mayes and Salisbury joined the Chamber less than four years ago. Mayes faces a challenge William Johnsonchairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus; and Salisbury faces a challenge Todd Koger Sr

Ford Turner is a Pennsylvania reporter for The Center Square