As the curtains close on the Pennsylvania primaries, the outcomes have once again set the stage for what promises to be a dramatic general election. Known for playing an essential role in national politics, Pennsylvania’s Democratic and Republican primaries have delivered fascinating insights into the current political climate and voter sentiment within the Keystone State.

Below, we delve into the key races from across the state, including those for the various statewide races (attorney general, treasurer, and auditor general), key state legislative races, and various congressional districts, offering a comprehensive overview of who’s in, who’s out, and what it all might mean for the upcoming November elections. 

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Sunday and DePasquale Set to Face Off in November

Both primary races for the attorney general were contested in 2024. Former Auditor General and State Representative Eugene DePasquale (D) won 35.6% of the vote in the Democratic primary, besting Jack Stollsteimer (D) (20.3%), Joe Khan (D) (16%), Keir Bradford-Grey (D) (15%) and Jared Solomon (D) (13%). In the Republican race, York County District Attorney Dave Sunday (R) defeated State Representative Craig Williams (R) by roughly 70%–30%.

Sunday and DePasquale will face off in the fall. The winner will take over from current State Attorney General Michelle Henry, whom Governor Shapiro appointed to fill his unfinished term when he resigned to become governor. Henry did not seek election to the position.

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McClelland Upsets Bizzarro in Democratic Primary for Treasurer

In an upset, Erin McClelland (D) defeated State Representative and Democratic Party-endorsed Ryan Bizzarro (D) 54%–46%. In the fall, McClelland, an Allegheny County project manager, will face off against incumbent State Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R). In her first term, Garrity was unopposed in the Republican primary.

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Kenyatta Wins Dem Nomination for Auditor General

State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D) defeated Mark Pinsley (D) 64%–36% in the Democratic auditor general primary. Kenyatta will face incumbent State Auditor General Tim DeFoor (R) in the fall.

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State Legislative Races

Republican Wins Special Election in Northeast

In a special election to fill the remainder of former State Representative Joe Adams’ (R) seat, Jeff Olsommer (R) defeated Robin Skibber (D).

Incumbent Gregory Loses Primary

Scott Barger (R), a former pastor and radio station operator, defeated incumbent State Representative Jim Gregory (R). Barger focused his campaign on Gregory’s role in the deal that saw Mark Rozzi (D) elected as House Speaker last year.

Incumbent Boyle Loses Primary Amid Controversy

Sean Dougherty (D) defeated incumbent State Representative Kevin Boyle (D). Rep. Boyle, who had an arrest warrant issued for him due to allegedly violating a PFA order, recently had his Capitol badge access revoked and his committee chairmanship stripped. Dougherty was supported by the campaign arm of the state House Democrats to the tune of $330,000 as of April 19. Dougherty, an attorney, is the son of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty. 

Cutler Successfully Fends Off Primary Challenge

Republican Leader and former House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R) fended off a primary challenge from the right in one of the most-watched primaries. Cutler’s challenger had criticized him for his role in the passage of Act 77 and, similar to Gregory’s opponent, also for his role in the agreement that saw Mark Rozzi (D) elected Speaker.

Incumbent Cabell Narrowly Down

With all precincts counted, challenger Jamie Walsh (R) led incumbent Rep. Mike Cabell (R) by eight votes (4,723 to 4,715).

SD-15 Nominees Set

Sen. John DiSanto (R) announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election to Pennsylvania’s 15th Senate District, setting up a potential pick-up opportunity for Democrats due to redistricting. In the Republican Primary, Dauphin County Treasurer and former County Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco (R) defeated Ken Stambaugh who was endorsed by the Dauphin County GOP, 55% to 45% DiFrancesco will face State Rep. Patty Kim in November. Kim easily won the Democratic primary with 87% of the vote. 

Race to Replace Patty Kim in House

Rep. Patty Kim is running for State Senate, which leaves an open seat in the Harrisburg-based 103rd House District. The Democratic primary had five candidates seeking to replace Kim, and Nate Davidson appears to have won with about 30% of the vote. 

Race to Replace Keefer in House

Republican Rep. Dawn Keefer is seeking a seat in the State Senate (Sen. Mike Regan chose not to seek re-election this year), leaving her York County House seat open for grabs. Marc Anderson won a five-way GOP primary on Tuesday, coming in with 37% of the vote. The next highest vote-getter, Zak Kile, earned 31% of the vote.

Pisciottano Wins Senate Primary, Seeks to Replace Brewster

State Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D) easily won the Democratic nomination to replace Sen. Jim Brewster (D) who chose not to seek re-election this year. Pisciottano will face off in November against Jen Dintini, who easily won the GOP nomination. 

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Federal Races

Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race is one of the marquee races in the country this fall that might help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. But in the primaries, both candidates were unopposed. In November, incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D) will face challenger Dave McCormick (R).

Notable contested congressional primaries included PA 1 (REP), PA 7 (REP), PA 10 (DEM), and PA 12 (DEM).

In PA-1, U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick fended off a primary challenger in the Philadelphia suburbs with 61% of the vote.

In PA-7, State Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R) won a contested three-way primary with 43% of the vote and will face incumbent U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D) in the fall.

In PA-10, Janelle Stelson (D) won 44% of the vote in a six-way Democratic primary, with the next-highest challenger receiving 23%. Stelson will face incumbent U.S. Representative Scott Perry (R).

In PA-12, incumbent Summer Lee (D) fended off a primary challenge from Bhavini Patel by about 20 points, 60% to 39%.

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