HARRISBURG, Pa. — In Pennsylvania, the upcoming special election holds significant weight in determining which party will take control of the state House. This electoral decision is seen as an indicator of the political climate in this pivotal state, which has previously played a crucial role in the presidential race.
The impasse in the House, locked at 101 seats for both Democrats and Republicans since January, was triggered by the passing of Democratic state Representative Matt Gergely. A Democratic victory in the forthcoming election would sustain Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia in her leadership role, whereas a Republican victory would allow for a GOP-appointed speaker, granting them authority over the legislative agenda and committee leadership positions.
The candidates contending for the position include Democrat Dan Goughnour, a 39-year-old police officer and school board member from McKeesport, and Republican Chuck Davis, a 66-year-old fire chief and president of the White Oak Borough Council. Also contesting is Libertarian Adam Kitta.
The district, located southeast of Pittsburgh and historically known for its steel industry, faces economic challenges today. The Mon Valley, at the juncture of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, symbolizes these difficulties.
Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, recently emphasized that a Democratic win would demonstrate the party’s commitment to defending its principles. Despite setbacks in the November election, where Democrats lost a U.S. Senate seat and other key offices while President Trump secured a narrow victory in Pennsylvania, Democrats are hopeful.
The area voted decisively for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump, securing 58% to Trump’s 42% in the previous election. Gergely himself had secured his seat with a substantial 75% of the vote during a special election in 2023, where Republicans did not present an opposing candidate. Additionally, in the 2022 gubernatorial race, Democrat Josh Shapiro garnered three-quarters of the vote from this district.
Madeline Zann, Executive Director of the House Democratic Campaign Committee, noted a boost in enthusiasm among volunteers and small-scale donors, possibly fueled by apprehensions regarding the Trump administration. She stressed the necessity for candidates to address local issues and mobilize core supporters, as special elections often encounter lower voter engagement.
“It’s a turnout election in many ways,” Zann stated.
Representative Jamie Barton, from Schuylkill County and head of Republican state House campaigns, acknowledged the challenging nature of Davis’ campaign in a predominantly Democratic region. Yet, he pointed to a reinvigorated local Republican leadership that has energized their voter base.
“No matter who looks good on paper you’ve got to have the election,” Barton emphasized. “We’re not taking anything for granted.”
Another special election will be held on the same day to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Ryan Aument, a Republican from Lancaster, who left to work with Republican U.S. Senator Dave McCormick. Running for this position are Republican Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons and Democrat James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg. A victory by Malone in this Republican-leaning district would not alter the GOP’s majority in the state Senate, with Libertarian Zachary Moore also in the race.