State legislative Democrats secured their second earthquake flip of the cycle last night while protecting our one-seat House majority in Pennsylvania
WASHINGTON — Last night, state legislative Democrats delivered stunning victories: DLCC Spotlight candidate James Malone flipped SD-36 which Donald Trump carried by 15 points, and Dan Goughnour defended Democrats’ one-seat House majority. These wins mark the second state legislative flip of the year and the fifth majority-deciding special election in which Democrats emerged with a win. Democrats’ wins in Republican territory and 10-point average overperformance in special elections this year puts Republicans across the country on notice as DLCC lays the groundwork to make gains on our 2025-26 target map.
What they’re saying about Democrats’ state legislative wins:
NOTUS: Dems Take a Special Election Seat in Pennsylvania That Republicans Thought Was Safe
Meidas Touch: Major Upset: Democrat James Malone Wins in Trump +15 District in Pennsylvania
Politico: Democrats build on their down-ballot winning streak in Pennsylvania
The Guardian: Democrat wins Pennsylvania state senate race in major upset
The Daily Beast: AOC Hails Dems’ Upset Win in Trump District as Start of Fightback
The Downballot: Democrats flip deep-red Pennsylvania district in special election shocker
Washington Examiner: Democrat flips red Pennsylvania state Senate seat as party rides special election wave
The Hill: Democrat wins special state Senate election in Pennsylvania in major upset
PoliticsPA: Stunner in Lancaster As Malone Defeats Parsons For 36th Senate Seat
Gov. Josh Shapiro: “Tonight in Lancaster County, Pennsylvanians rejected a candidate who embraced the extremism and division coming out of DC. In a district carried comfortably by Donald Trump just a few months ago, they chose a better way forward – an embrace of competence, commonsense, and a desire to bring people together.”
Sen. Vincent Hughes: “Democrats Flip PA Senate seat that Trump won by 15 points. Strong statement by the voters. Strong message to ALL Republicans”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: “A Pennsylvania State Senate district that Trump had won by 15 points just flipped blue tonight. This is how it’s done. Run everywhere. Run down ballot. Focus on local elections ASAP – from school board to councils to state legislatures. We build from there.”
Elon Musk: “Damn”
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