Democrats See a Chance to Take Pennsylvania's Divided Legislature
Democrats could take control of Pennsylvania's divided state legislature in the Nov. 3 election, according to NPR. The legislature is the state's law-making body, and it has two chambers: the House and the Senate. Democrats hold the House, while Republicans control the Senate.
Democrats also hold the governor's office. Josh Shapiro is the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, according to the Associated Press. NPR reported that statehouse elections this fall could shift the balance of power in state capitals across the country.
Democrats have not controlled the Pennsylvania legislature since 1994, according to WHYY. That outlet also reported that data centers, the large facilities that house computer servers, are a central issue in the 2026 fight for control of the legislature.
Several Democrats have already been chosen for the fall ballot. Janelle Stelson, Bob Harvie and Bob Brooks won the Democratic nomination in three Pennsylvania swing districts for the U.S. House in the May 19 primary elections, according to the Associated Press.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a group that works to elect Democrats to state legislatures, said 2026 is a historic opportunity to build power in Pennsylvania. The group said that means defending its House majority and picking up seats in the Senate. It also said it plans to announce at least 500 target races this year, including 300 Republican-held districts.
Voters have a few key dates ahead. The deadline to register for the general election was Oct. 19. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the state's Department of State.
