April 23, 2024

What's at Stake for the Pennsylvania Primaries?

Pennsylvanians are heading to the polls today for the Republican and Democratic primaries, where 17 House seats are up for grabs in November's general election.

While the nominees for the presidential race are already established, there are plenty of other races to keep an eye on in the state. In addition to the House seats, incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, is seeking re-election against Republican challenger David McCormick. Both Casey and McCormick are running unopposed in their respective primaries.

Polling stations across Pennsylvania opened at 7 a.m. EDT and will close at 8 p.m. EDT, giving voters ample time to cast their ballots.

The primaries will determine the nominees for various state offices, including an open attorney general's position. Michelle Henry, the current Attorney General and a Democrat, has opted not to run for re-election. Consequently, five Democratic candidates and two Republican candidates are vying for their parties' nominations.

Henry assumed office in 2023 following the election of former Attorney General Josh Shapiro as governor.

Among the notable races is the competition for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. This contest features Ryan Bizzarro, a former state legislator, and Erin McClelland, a government consultant and behavioral health worker, as the two Democratic contenders.

According to voter registration records from September provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State, the state boasts over 8.7 million registered voters. Democrats hold a slight majority, with more than 3.8 million registered voters, while Republicans number over 3.4 million. Additionally, there are approximately 1.2 million unaffiliated or "other" voters.

The outcomes of both the Senate and House races will be pivotal as Republicans and Democrats vie for control of Congress. Presently, Democrats maintain a narrow majority in the Senate, while Republicans hold a slim edge in the House. This delicate balance has posed challenges for passing legislation over the past year.

Pennsylvania, often considered a crucial swing state, played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Notably, Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, adding to the state's significance in national politics.

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