2023 Pennsylvania elections
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elections were held in Pennsylvania on November 7, 2023, to fill judicial positions, allow judicial retention votes, and fill numerous county, local and municipal offices, the most prominent being the Mayor of Philadelphia. The necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2023. In addition, special elections for legislative vacancies could be held at various times in 2023.
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November 7, 2023
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Justice of the Supreme Court
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November 7, 2023
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   McCaffery: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Carluccio: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% | |||||||||||||||||
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One vacancy occurred after Democratic Chief Justice Max Baer died on September 30, 2022.[1]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Deborah Kunselman, Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania[2][3]
- Daniel McCaffery, Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, U.S. Army veteran[4][3][5]
Endorsements
Newspapers
Political parties
Organizations
Fundraising
Results
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
- 90%–100%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Daniel D. McCaffery | 633,845 | 60.20% | |
| Democratic | Deborah Anne Kunselman | 419,090 | 39.80% | |
| Total votes | 1,052,935 | 100.0% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Carolyn Carluccio, Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas[11][12]
- Patricia McCullough, Judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court[13]
Withdrawn
- Paula Patrick, Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[3][14]
Endorsements
State legislators
- Doug Mastriano, state senator from the 33rd district (2019–present)[17]
Fundraising
Results
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Carolyn Carluccio | 441,413 | 53.57% | |
| Republican | Patricia McCullough | 382,512 | 46.43% | |
| Total votes | 823,925 | 100.0% | ||
General election
Endorsements
Federal officials
- Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General (2009–2015)[20]
Organizations
- Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police[21]
- Pennsylvania State Troopers Association[21]
- Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association[21]
- Reproductive Freedom for All[22]
Political parties
Newspapers
Organizations
- Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs[25]
- National Federation of Independent Business[26]
Fundraising
Although McCaffery outraised Carluccio 2-to-1 in direct fundraising, Carluccio received over $4 million in independent expenditures supporting her campaign, primarily through Republican donor Jeff Yass.[27] In comparison, McCaffery only received $330,000 in support from outside groups.
Polling
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Daniel D. McCaffery | 1,652,113 | 53.52% | ||
| Republican | Carolyn T. Carluccio | 1,434,945 | 46.48% | ||
| Total votes | 3,087,058 | 100.0% | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
Judge of the Superior Court
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November 7, 2023
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2 seats of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 County results Democrat: 50–60% 60–70% 80–90% Republican: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There were two seats up for election.
- A vacant seat on the court was up for election after the retirement of Judge Jacqueline Shogan in 2021.
- A second seat was scheduled for election due to the impending mandatory retirement of Judge Emeritus John T. Bender on December 31, 2023.[30]
The election of Jill Beck and Timika Lane, flips the partisan makeup of the Superior Court, from a 8–7 Republican majority, to a 9–6 Democratic majority.[31] However, the makeup was decreased to a 8–6 Democratic majority when Judge Dan McCaffery vacated his seat after being elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Republican primary
Candidates
- Maria Battista, former counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Health (2011–2014), former Venango County assistant district attorney (2004–2005)[32]
- Harry Smail Jr., Judge of the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas[33][16]
Withdrawn
- Michael Dimino, professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School[3]
- Emily Yuhaniak, former law clerk for Judge John T. Bender[3]
Endorsements
- Political parties
- Political parties
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Maria Battista | 626,159 | 52.89% | |
| Republican | Harry Smail Jr. | 557,707 | 47.11% | |
| Total votes | 1,183,866 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Jill Beck, civil litigator, Blank Rome[34][3]
- Patrick Dugan, Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court[3]
- Timika Lane, Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[35]
Endorsements
Political parties
Political parties
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jill Beck | 694,115 | 40.34% | |
| Democratic | Timika Lane | 653,020 | 37.95% | |
| Democratic | Patrick Dugan | 373,619 | 21.71% | |
| Total votes | 1,720,754 | 100.0% | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jill Beck | 1,572,023 | 28.03% | |
| Democratic | Timika Lane | 1,431,550 | 25.52% | |
| Republican | Maria Battista | 1,353,555 | 24.13% | |
| Republican | Harry Smail Jr. | 1,251,817 | 22.32% | |
| Total votes | 5,608,945 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Judge of the Commonwealth Court
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November 7, 2023
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 County results Wolf: 50–60% 60–70% 80–90% Martin: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% | |||||||||||||||||
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There was one vacancy on the Commonwealth Court when Judge Kevin Brobson vacated his seat after being elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2021.[36]
Republican primary
Candidates
- Megan Martin, former Secretary-Parliamentarian of the Pennsylvania State Senate (2012–2022)[3][16]
- Joshua Prince, associate, Prince Law Offices, P.C., a law firm specializing in gun rights litigation[3]
Endorsements
Political parties
Results
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 80%–90%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Megan Martin | 501,693 | 62.97% | |
| Republican | Joshua Prince | 294,979 | 37.03% | |
| Total votes | 796,672 | 100.0% | ||
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Bryan Neft, commercial litigation attorney, former president of the Allegheny County Bar Association's Board of Governors[3]
- Matthew S. Wolf, Supervising Judge of the Civil Division of the Philadelphia Municipal Court[37]
Withdrawn
- Brandon Neuman, Judge of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, former state representative (2011–2017)[38]
Results
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
- 90%–100%
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 70%–80%
- 80%–90%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Matthew S. Wolf | 577,470 | 57.23% | |
| Democratic | Bryan Neft | 431,595 | 42.77% | |
| Total votes | 1,009,065 | 100.0% | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Matthew S. Wolf | 1,602,116 | 52.45% | |
| Republican | Megan Martin | 1,452,330 | 47.55% | |
| Total votes | 3,054,446 | 100.0% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
Judicial retention
Superior Court
President Judge Jack A. Panella (D) and Judge Victor P. Stabile (R) were scheduled for retention votes in 2023. Both informed the Pennsylvania Department of State that they would seek retention.[39][3]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
 Yes |
1,778,318 | 67.29 |
| No | 864,594 | 32.71 |
| Total votes | 2,642,912 | 100.00 |
| Source: PA Department of State[29] | ||
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes |
1,577,550 | 61.08 |
| No | 1,005,336 | 38.92 |
| Total votes | 2,582,886 | 100.00 |
| Source: PA Department of State[29] | ||
Municipal elections
Philadelphia
Mayor
City council
City Controller special election
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November 7, 2023
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 Ward results Brady: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Bashir: 50–60% | ||||||||||||||||
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A special election took place after the resignation of City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart in October 2022 to run for mayor.[40]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Christy Brady, former Acting City Controller (2022–2023)[41][42]
- Alexandra Hunt, activist, public health researcher, and candidate for Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district in 2022[43]
- John Thomas, management consultant[44]
Did not file
- Karen Javaruski, enterprise risk management professional[44]
Withdrawn
- Jack Inacker, United States Air Force veteran and former nuclear weapons systems specialist[41] (endorsed Brady)[44]
- Gregg Kravitz, realtor[44]
Endorsements
U.S. Representatives
- Brendan Boyle PA-2 (2015–present)[45]
- Bob Brady, PA-1 (1998–2019) and Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party (1986–present)[46]
- Dwight Evans, PA-3 (2016–present)[45]
State senators
- Sharif Street, District 3 (2017–present) and Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair (2022–present)[45]
- Tina Tartaglione, 2nd district (1995–present)[47]
State representatives
- Kevin Boyle, District 172 (2011–present)[45]
- Danilo Burgos, District 197 (2019–present)[45]
- Jose Giral, District 180 (2023–present)[45]
- Ed Neilson, District 174 (2015–present) and District 169 (2012–2014)[45]
Philadelphia city councilmembers
- Jannie Blackwell, 3rd district (1992–2020) and First Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party[46]
- Jim Harrity, at-large (2022–present)[45]
- Kenyatta Johnson, 2nd district (2012–present) and former Pennsylvania state representative from District 186 (2009–2012)[45]
Local officials
- Alan Butkovitz, former Philadelphia City Controller (2006–2018)[48]
- Lisa Deeley, Chair (2017–present) of the Philadelphia City Commissioners (2016–present)[48]
- Omar Sabir, Vice Chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners (2020–present)[49]
- Jonathan Saidel, former Philadelphia City Controller (1990–2006) and 2010 runner-up for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania[48]
Individuals
- Jack Inacker, United States Air Force veteran and former 2023 Philadelphia City Controller candidate[44]
Labor unions
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Councils 33 and 47[50][51]
- American Federation of Teachers Local 2026 (Community College of Philadelphia Chapter)[52]
- Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters[53]
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8[49]
- Philadelphia Building Trades Council[54]
- Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO[55]
- Sprinkler Fitters Local 692[56]
- Transport Workers Union of America - Local 234[57]
Newspapers and other media
Organizations
- Liberty City LGBTQ Democratic Club[59]
- Philadelphia Young Democrats[60]
Political parties
Organizations
- Philadelphia Neighborhood Networks[61]
- Progressive Victory[54]
Organizations
State representatives
- Stephen Kinsey, 201st district (2013–present)[54]
Philadelphia city councilors
- Marian Tasco, 9th district (1988–2016)[54]
Labor unions
- Laborers' International Union of North America District Council of Philadelphia[54]
Newspapers and other media
Results
- 30%–40%
- 40%–50%
- 50%–60%
- 60%–70%
- 30%–40%
- 40%–50%
- 40%–50%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Christy Brady | 86,884 | 46.1 | |
| Democratic | Alexandra Hunt | 59,068 | 31.4 | |
| Democratic | John Thomas | 42,292 | 22.5 | |
| Write-in | 170 | 0 | ||
| Total votes | 188,414 | 100.0 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Aaron Bashir, entrepreneur and nominee for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district in 2022[44]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Aaron Bashir | 13,545 | 99.1 | |
| Write-in | 121 | 0 | ||
| Total votes | 13,666 | 100 | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Christy Brady | 221,941 | 80.87 | |
| Republican | Aaron Bashir | 52,189 | 19.02 | |
| Write-in | 298 | 0.11 | ||
| Total votes | 274,428 | 100.00 | ||
Allegheny County
County Executive
District Attorney
Democratic primary
Declared
- Matt Dugan, Chief Public Defender of Allegheny County (2019–present)[66]
- Stephen Zappala, incumbent district attorney (1998–present)[66]
Endorsements
Organizations
- Allegheny County Democratic Committee[67]
- Pennsylvania Working Families Party[68]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Matt Dugan | 94,974 | 55.62% | |
| Democratic | Stephen Zappala (incumbent) | 75,575 | 44.26% | |
| Write-in | 196 | 0.11% | ||
| Total votes | 170,745 | 100% | ||
General election
Results
Incumbent Stephen Zappala accepted the Republican nomination upon losing the Democratic primary, though he remained a registered Democrat.[70]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Stephen Zappala (incumbent) | 188,215 | 51.54 | |
| Democratic | Matt Dugan | 176,559 | 48.35 | |
| Write-in | 376 | 0.10 | ||
| Total votes | 365,150 | 100.00 | ||
Special elections
Pennsylvania State Senate
27th senatorial district
On November 28, 2022, state senator John Gordner announced his resignation in order to serve as counsel to interim Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward. Gordner's resignation was effective on November 30. A special election to replace Gordner was held on January 31, 2023.[72]
Democrats nominated speech pathologist Patricia Lawton while Republicans nominated State Representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver. Libertarians had nominated business consultant and constable Thomas Anderson, but he failed to file the necessary paperwork in time and his lawsuit for ballot access was denied by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.[73][74]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Lynda Schlegel-Culver | 24,462 | 69.68 | |
| Democratic | Patricia Lawton | 10,643 | 30.32 | |
| Total votes | 35,105 | 100.00 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives opened between Election Day 2022 and the start of the 2023 session in January. The vacancies have made the difference between Democratic and Republican control, and paralyzed the chamber due to representatives' inability to agree on basic operating rules.[76]
32nd district
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February 7, 2023
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Pennsylvania's 32nd House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results McAndrew: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Walker: 50–60% | ||||||||||||||||
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On October 9, 2022, incumbent representative Anthony DeLuca died of lymphoma while seeking reelection. The time of his death occurred after the deadline to conduct candidate substitutions, causing his name to remain on the ballot. Despite his death, he defeated Green challenger Queonia Livingston, receiving 85% of the vote.[77] A special election to replace DeLuca was held on February 7, 2023.[78]
Democrats nominated Penn Hills Democratic Committee chair Joe McAndrew.[76][79] Republicans nominated pastor and Army veteran Clay Walker.[80][81] 2022 Green Party candidate Queonia Livingston had filed nomination papers but they were rejected by the Pennsylvania Department of State.[82]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Democratic | Joe McAndrew | 9,601 | 74.63 | |
| Republican | Clay Walker | 3,195 | 24.84 | |
| Write-in | 68 | 0.53 | ||
| Total votes | 12,864 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
34th district
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February 7, 2023
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Pennsylvania's 34th House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Salisbury: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% | ||||||||||||||||
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On On November 8, 2022, incumbent representative Summer Lee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, while simultaneously running unopposed for reelection to the 34th legislative district. Pennsylvania's constitution forbids General Assembly lawmakers from holding another office, but does not prevent them from running for reelection while seeking another office. A special election to replace Lee was held on February 7, 2023.[84]
Democrats nominated Swissvale borough councilor Abigail Salisbury while Republicans nominated Robert Pagane, a kickboxing instructor.[76][80][81][85]
Organizations
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Democratic | Abigail Salisbury | 10,282 | 87.60 | |
| Republican | Robert Pagane | 1,416 | 12.06 | |
| Write-in | 39 | 0.33 | ||
| Total votes | 11,737 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
35th district
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February 7, 2023
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Pennsylvania's 35th House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Gergely: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Nevills: 50–60% | ||||||||||||||||
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On January 4, 2022, incumbent representative Austin Davis announced he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, with Josh Shapiro's endorsement.[88] He was nominated to be on the ticket on May 18 and was elected to the position in the general election. Davis was subsequently reelected to represent the 35th district, defeating Republican challenger Donald Nevills with 65% of the vote. Pennsylvania's constitution forbids General Assembly lawmakers from holding another office, but does not prevent them from running for reelection while seeking another office. A special election to replace Davis was held on February 7, 2023.[84]
Democrats nominated McKeesport official Matt Gergely, brother of previous seatholder Marc Gergely.[76][89] Republicans nominated their 2022 general election nominee Don Nevills.[80][81]
Organizations Planned Parenthood PA PAC[90]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Democratic | Matt Gergely | 6,790 | 73.66 | |
| Republican | Don Nevills | 2,302 | 24.97 | |
| Write-in | 126 | 1.37 | ||
| Total votes | 9,218 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
108th district
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May 16, 2023
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Pennsylvania's 108th House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Stender: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Finn: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% | ||||||||||||||||
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On January 31, 2023, incumbent representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver was elected to Pennsylvania's 27th Senatorial district in a special election amid the resignation of Senator John Gordner.[92] House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for May 16 in conjunction with the 2023 primary.[93]
Republicans nominated Shikellamy School Board Member Mike Stender, while Democrats nominated Montour County Commissioner Trevor Finn.[94] Libertarians nominated Marine Corps veteran Elijah Scretching.[95]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mike Stender | 6,600 | 58.35 | |
| Democratic | Trevor Finn | 4,318 | 38.18 | |
| Libertarian | Elijah Scretching | 393 | 3.47 | |
| Total votes | 11,311 | 100.00 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
163rd district
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Pennsylvania's 163rd House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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On March 8, 2023, incumbent representative Michael Zabel resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, effective March 16, following a sexual harassment controversy.[96][97] House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for May 16 in conjunction with the 2023 primary.[98]
Democrats nominated Heather Boyd, a senior staffer to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and former Upper Darby School Board member.[99] Republicans nominated Kathleen "Katie" Ford, an Army veteran and special education therapist.[100] Libertarians nominated Alfe Goodwin, a retired Philadelphia Police officer and nominee for this district in 2022.[101]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Heather Boyd | 9,415 | 60.16 | |
| Republican | Kathleen Ford | 6,040 | 38.60 | |
| Libertarian | Alfe Goodwin | 194 | 1.24 | |
| Total votes | 15,649 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
21st district
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Pennsylvania's 21st House of Representatives district | ||||||||||||||||
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On July 19, 2023, incumbent representative Sara Innamorato resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after becoming the Democratic nominee for Allegheny County Executive. House Speaker Joanna McClinton announced a special election for September 19.[102]
Democrats nominated Lindsay Powell, a nonprofit executive, while Republicans nominated Erin Connolly Autenreith, a realtor and local Republican Party chair.[103]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Lindsay Powell | 7,318 | 65.54 | |
| Republican | Erin Autenreith | 3,848 | 34.46 | |
| Total votes | 11,166 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
Notes
- Key:
- A – all adults
- RV – registered voters
- LV – likely voters
- V – unclear
- Poll sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation, a conservative think tank.