Special Elections Set to Shift Pennsylvania’s Legislative Landscape

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Voters across Pennsylvania are poised to fill two significant state legislative vacancies during special elections on Tuesday, March 21, 2025. The races are crucial as Democrats aim to retain control of the state House, while Republicans seek to solidify their dominance in the state Senate.

In House District 35, located in western Pennsylvania southeast of Pittsburgh, a replacement is to be elected following the death of Democratic state Rep. Matt Gergely, which resulted in a 101-101 deadlock between the parties. The leading candidates include Democrat Dan Goughnour, a McKeesport school board member and police officer, and Republican Chuck Davis, the president of the White Oak Borough Council and a volunteer firefighter. Libertarian Adam Kitta is also a candidate in the race.

Republicans are confident in their ability to maintain a strong presence in District 35, where Gergely won the seat in a 2023 special election by capturing 75% of the votes. However, Democrats are hopeful for a win, especially after the district supported Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election with approximately 58% of the vote.

Democratic interests are fortified by recent electoral trends in the area. “We have a strong track record in this district,” said Madeline Zann, executive director of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. “But turnout is key in special elections, and we need to rally our core supporters.”

On the other side of the state in Lancaster County, the Senate will see competition among three candidates vying to replace former Republican state Sen. Ryan Aument, who left to work for Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. The nominees include Republican Josh Parsons, a Lancaster County commissioner; Democrat James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg; and Libertarian Zachary Moore. The Republican candidate is expected to hold an advantage, as Trump won 57% of the district’s votes in the presidential race.

The stakes are high as Democratic leaders recognize the importance of these elections in maintaining legislative influence. “A win for us would be an affirmation of our values and a signal to our base that we can still win critical races,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said during a recent visit.

Voter engagement is expected to be crucial, with registered voters in House District 35 accounting for about 43,000, of which 61% are Democrats. In contrast, Senate District 36 has around 185,000 registered voters, with Republicans making up 53%. Historical turnout for both districts in previous elections highlights the need for campaigns to effectively mobilize supporters ahead of election day.

In House District 35, turnout was around 52% in both the 2022 and 2024 general elections, while the Senate District had a turnout of approximately 51%. Early voting trends show a strong preference for Democrats, with nearly 2,800 absentee ballots already cast in Allegheny County, compared to 11,000 in Lancaster County, based on recent metrics.

As polling places prepare to close at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, major media outlets, including the Associated Press, will monitor election developments and report results as soon as they become available.