Pennsylvania Holds Primary Elections for Congressional and Statewide Races

Pennsylvania is holding its primary elections on May 19, giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots for key congressional and statewide races. All of the state’s 17 House seats are up for grabs this election cycle, while the governor and lieutenant governor are running for reelection.

Democratic candidates are vying to replace a representative who is leaving office at the end of the current term. The district covers a portion of Philadelphia and is rated strongly Democratic by the Cook Political Report. One candidate is a pediatric surgeon endorsed by the outgoing representative.

Another candidate has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2017 and has received endorsements from two members of Congress. A third candidate has served in the Pennsylvania State Senate since 2017 and received an endorsement from the Philadelphia Democratic Party.

A recent poll conducted for 314 Action Fund showed the pediatric surgeon leading the other candidates, though the survey was described as skewed in that candidate’s favor.

1st Congressional District, a Republican representative is running unopposed in the Republican primary. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has supported one of the Democratic candidates. The Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely to remain with the Republican incumbent. The Cook Political Report labels both races as toss-ups.

The current lieutenant governor is seeking reelection in an uncontested Democratic primary. Two Republican candidates are competing for the GOP nomination. The other candidate has not previously run for public office but has served on the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.