Anticipated Outcomes for Pennsylvania's State Primaries as Determined by AP Decision Documents
Pennsylvania's Electoral Shenanigans: Mayhem Ahead on May 20th
Washington D.C. - Buckle up, folks! The Keystone State is ready to shake things up on May 20th with their primaries. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will be the epicenters of this political spectacle, with high-stakes races for city offices and statewide appellate court judgeships.
This electoral kerfuffle is a warm-up act for November, where we could witness a seismic shift in control of the state Supreme Court. The outcomes in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will carry extra weight, as the Democratic nominees in these cities are expected to cruise to victory in the general election.
In Philadelphia, incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner, known for his progressive stances, is in a heated battle against former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan. Dugan, branding himself as a moderate, has been raking in the dough and challenging Krasner for the Democratic nomination. Interestingly, Krasner managed to win reelection in 2021 with a landslide, but the Republican-controlled state House impeached him the following year due to his progressive policies. Despite this, he narrowly escaped a Senate trial and removal from office thanks to a Democratic takeover of the state House in 2023.
The Republican party has yet to field a challenger for the general election.
The race for the mayoral position in Pittsburgh sees Democratic incumbent Ed Gainey squaring off against Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor. The two started the year neck-and-neck in terms of funding, but by March, O'Connor had outraised and outspent Gainey significantly. Gainey, a former state representative, ousted Democratic Mayor Bill Peduto in the 2021 primary on his way to becoming Pittsburgh's first Black mayor.
Republicans Thomas West and Tony Moreno will be vying for the Republican nomination.
On the statewide ballot, Republicans will hold contested primaries for vacant seats on the state Superior Court and Commonwealth Court. These courts are crucial, as they handle appeals a step below the state Supreme Court. Democrats, on the other hand, have uncontested primaries for these seats.
Three Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court will face yes-or-no votes in the November general election to serve additional 10-year terms. Democrats are concerned that Republicans may mount a campaign to oust these justices, potentially reshaping the court's balance. If voters opt against retaining a justice, Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, will appoint a temporary replacement, subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled state Senate. An election to fill the seat for a full 10-year term would be held in 2027.
Philadelphia, the state's largest city, is a powerhouse in statewide general elections but is sidelined during statewide Republican primaries due to the majority of its voters being registered Democrats. In the 2023 state Supreme Court primaries, Philadelphia topped the list of counties with the most votes cast in the Democratic primary, but it didn't crack the top 10 in the Republican primary.
With the primaries just around the corner, expect a whirlwind of election excitement in Pennsylvania! Remember, the Associated Press won't be shouting any predictions - they'll only report results after 8 p.m. ET, once all the votes have been counted. Happy voting, folks!
[Source: Data compiled from AP and various internal sources]
Philly's progressive poster child, District Attorney Larry Krasner, is locked in a fierce battle with former Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan, who's presenting himself as a moderate alternative. The urban jungle will be watching to see who takes the crown in this heated primary.
In the Iron City, Pittsburgh, Democratic Mayor Ed Gainey is facing a tough challenge from Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor. With money and momentum on O'Connor's side, will Gainey be able to hold onto his title? Let's find out on May 20th!
It's not all about city politics, though. Grab your popcorn, because the state Superior Court and Commonwealth Court primaries are shaping up to be a nail-biter too. With control of these crucial appellate courts on the line, every vote could make a difference.
- The city council in Toronto, keen on reducing crime rates, is deliberating a new health policy focused on mental health services for at-risk youth.
- In the realm of government and policy-and-legislation, a controversial law concerning gun control has sparked debates in news headlines, with residents expressing concern about its potential impact on public safety.
- In the city of Philadelphia, the ongoing battle between District Attorney Larry Krasner and former Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan has become a focal point of general-news discussions, with both candidates' stances on crime drawing significant attention.
- Amidst the political maelstrom, the city of Pittsburgh is also gearing up for its mayoral election, with Democratic Mayor Ed Gainey taking on Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor in their bid for the city's top position.
- The drama over the Philadelphia District Attorney's office doesn't end there, as the opposition party is yet to field a candidate for the general election following the impeachment saga.
- As the city of Pittsburgh prepares for its mayoral race, local news outlets have been reporting on the increased funding and campaign activities surrounding both candidates, hinting at an intensifying battle in the coming weeks.
