Democrats retain majority in the Pennsylvania House with win in Philly suburb

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats retained their slim majority within the Pennsylvania Home of Representatives on Tuesday after voters elected a former college board member to symbolize them in a Philadelphia suburb that has been trending extra to the left.

Jim Prokopiak’s election to the Bucks County seat will give Democrats a 102-100 majority within the Home, which they’ve sought to defend in 4 particular elections previously yr. A Republican lawmaker’s resignation final week shifted the ability again to Democrats, and Prokopiak’s win saved it in place.

He defeated Republican challenger Candace Cabanas and can substitute former state Rep. John Galloway, who resigned to function a magisterial choose.

“What I heard from voters is that Bucks County residents need assistance supporting their households, need management over their very own our bodies, and guarantee they’ve the power to chart their very own paths in life,” Prokopiak stated in a press release. “I am dedicated to taking my conversations with voters to Harrisburg and making their goals a actuality.”

Whereas campaigning, Prokopiak, 49, stated his objectives as a lawmaker aligned with the get together’s bigger ambitions since they retook the chamber — extra money for Okay-12 training, preserving entry to abortions and the next minimal wage.

“Nobody can afford to stay on the federal minimal wage on this space,” he stated. “If we’ll be speaking about good-paying jobs and creating life-sustaining jobs, the very first thing we’ve got to do is increase the minimal wage as a result of it is clear that isn’t sustaining anyone.”

READ MORE: Low-income earners feeling hopeful as Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro repeats dedication to $15 minimal wage

Democrats have saved all six seats which have gone up for particular elections previously yr, in largely reliably Democratic districts. Prokopiak will symbolize a seat that has favorably elected Democrats in previous election cycles.

Galloway’s seat has trended Democratic, and Republicans have slowly been dropping their grip on the county as a complete.

The race drew nationwide consideration from the Democratic Legislative Marketing campaign Committee, which spent $50,000 to guard the get together’s majority within the chamber.

It was a primary step for the committee, which has stated it’s planning to spend at the very least $60 million on statehouse races nationally this cycle, the group’s largest-ever price range. It would function particular emphasis on erasing GOP majorities in Arizona and New Hampshire and within the Pennsylvania Senate whereas holding small Democratic majorities claimed in 2022 in Minnesota and Michigan.

“This victory is a promising signal for Democrats up and down the poll this yr – it is clear that momentum is on our aspect,” Democratic Legislative Marketing campaign Committee President Heather Williams stated in a press release, including that their focus will probably be on defending the Home majority and flipping the state Senate.

Democrats in Pennsylvania have used their newfound energy this yr to advance a lot of the caucus’ priorities, they usually have a philosophical ally within the governor’s workplace with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. The Legislature stays politically divided with a agency Republican majority within the Senate.

“Over the past yr I feel, because the Democrats have been within the majority, they’ve pushed laws that has helped the center class,” Prokopiak stated beforehand. “I wish to try this.”