WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania Democrats won all three critical special election seats in Districts 32, 34, and 35 – stopping Republicans from taking full control of the chamber. In the face of historic headwinds, Democrats flipped the Pennsylvania House in November and won a net gain of 12 seats, but three vacancies left the chamber vulnerable to a GOP takeover as Republicans were working to undermine the will of the voters.
“Building off of our growing momentum following a historic midterm, Democrats have notched three special election wins that will stop Republicans from taking control of the state House,” said DLCC interim President Heather Williams. “Voters rejected the radical policies of the Pennsylvania GOP, and with these wins, the DLCC and Pennsylvania Democrats stand ready to hold these MAGA extremists accountable at every turn. Congratulations to Joe McAndrew, Abigail Salisbury, and Matt Gergely, who will ensure their constituents have a voice in Harrisburg and that the issues that matter most to voters are front and center.”
- Joe McAndrew (HD-32): Joe learned the value of hard work from his working-class parents — a bus garage manager and a union mechanic. While vice president of the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce, he strived to build a competitive economy that works for Pennsylvania families. In the House, Joe will be a bold voice for Democratic values and against GOP extremism.
- Abigail Salisbury (HD-34): Abigail is eager to bring her career of service to the House, where she will fight to cultivate world-class public schools and combat the effects of climate change. Her election would make her the first Jewish representative in her district.
- Matt Gergely (HD-35): Matt is a dedicated public servant born and raised in Allegheny County. While working for the city of McKeesport and its local school district, Matt secured critical infrastructure improvements and provided loans to help struggling small businesses reopen their doors.
The DLCC is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures. Last year, the DLCC defied the odds by not losing any state legislative majorities, flipping four key chambers, and creating four new Democratic trifectas – the best midterm year for the party in power since at least 1934. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and pass the policies that have the biggest impact on Americans’ day-to-day lives.
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