politics
House Democrats Target Four Republican-Held Pennsylvania Seats Ahead of 2026 Elections
A Supreme Court ruling in late April that struck down Louisiana’s congressional map has prompted Republican-led Southern states to redraw districts in ways that could add up to 12 seats for the party. Pennsylvania, with four competitive Republican-held districts, has taken on added importance for Democrats seeking to gain the House majority in the 2026 midterms.
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A Supreme Court ruling in late April striking down Louisiana’s congressional map under the Voting Rights Act has led Republican state legislators in several Southern states to redraw districts in ways expected to increase their party’s representation.
Louisiana moved within a day to delay primaries and shift toward a 5-1 Republican advantage. Similar efforts are underway in Tennessee, Florida and other states, potentially costing Democrats as many as 12 House seats before the 2026 elections. The developments have increased the importance of four Republican-held districts in Pennsylvania that Democrats have already targeted.
Pennsylvania’s May 19 primary will determine nominees for the fall campaign in a state that has more competitive House races than any other. All but one of the state’s 17 House members are seeking reelection. Republicans hold a 217-214 majority in the 435-member House, a margin that has narrowed at times because of vacancies.
Pennsylvania backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 before supporting President Donald Trump in 2024. The state has 3.8 million registered Democrats and 3.6 million Republicans among more than 13 million residents.
Democrats hold Philadelphia and Pittsburgh while many exurban and rural areas support Trump. The four districts in play are the southeastern 1st District held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Lehigh Valley-based 7th held by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the northeastern 8th held by Rep.
Rob Bresnahan, and the central 10th held by Rep. Scott Perry. Three of those four races were decided by two percentage points or fewer in 2024. Pennsylvania is one of eight states with fully closed primaries, so its roughly 1.4 million independent voters cannot participate on May 19.
Democrats aim to nominate candidates best positioned for the general election in those districts. Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, is seeking reelection and has campaigned for House candidates while working to expand his party’s narrow 102-99 majority in the state House.
