Noteworthy Races from Tuesday’s Primary in Pennsylvania
In the upcoming November elections, Democrats are looking to flip the state Senate, while House Democrats are fighting to expand their majority. Meanwhile, established Republicans are facing primary challenges from the conservative wing of their party. The Capital-Star has identified 20 noteworthy races from Tuesday’s primary, with all vote totals being unofficial results from the Pennsylvania Department of State.
In the 15th Senate District, State Rep. Patty Kim secured the Democratic nomination in the open race to replace retiring GOP state Sen. John DiSanto. Kim defeated Harrisburg pastor Alvin Q. Taylor and Dauphin County treasurer Nick DiFrancesco won the GOP nomination for the seat.
In the 45th Senate District, State Rep. Nick Pisciottano won the Democratic Party nomination, while Jennifer Dintini secured the Republican Party nomination amidst controversy surrounding an alleged job offer to drop out of the race.
State Sen. Dan Laughlin will face former Erie County Democratic Party Chair Jim Wertz in the 49th Senate District, a seat targeted by Democrats for flipping in November.
In the 10th Legislative District, State Rep. Amen Brown’s reelection bid is too close to call, with a narrow margin over Cass Green. Brown has faced criticism for aligning with Republicans on some issues.
State Rep. Joe McAndrew won the Democratic Party nomination for the 32nd Legislative District, while State Rep. Abigail Salisbury secured the nomination in the 34th Legislative District.
Stone Sobieralski emerged as the Republican nominee for the 38th Legislative District, with the Democratic race still undecided. In the 63rd Legislative District, Josh Bashline won the Republican Party nomination.
State Rep. Jim Gregory was defeated by Scott Barger in the Republican primary for the 80th Legislative District. Chad Reichard won the Republican Party primary for the 90th Legislative District.
In the 92nd Legislative District, Dillsburg educator Marc Anderson won the GOP primary, while in the 100th Legislative District, House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler fended off a primary challenge.
Incumbent State Rep. Russ Diamond won the Republican primary in the 102nd Legislative District, and Nathan Davidson secured the Democratic nomination in the 103rd Legislative District.
Republican state Rep. Mike Cabell trailed primary challenger Jamie Walsh by a slim margin in the 117th Legislative District. Rep. Robert Freeman won the Democratic primary in the 136th Legislative District.
In the 139th Legislative District, Republican Jeffrey Olsommer won a special election, and in the 172nd Legislative District, Sean Dougherty emerged victorious in the Democratic primary.
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta secured a fourth term in the 181st Legislative District, while Rep. Roni Green won a second full term in the 199th District. These races highlight the competitive landscape in Pennsylvania as the November elections approach.