Political reporter Ryan Deto provides an in-depth analysis of the recent high-stakes Pennsylvania District 12 congressional Democratic primary between Summer Lee and Bhavini Patel. Deto and host Zac Gibson dissect the primary results, exploring the factors that potentially decided the race and offering insights into the upcoming general election contest.
Pennsylvania’s top-ranking state House Republican, Bryan Cutler, withstood a formidable primary challenge from the right, while the Democratic establishment prevailed in ousting Northeast Philadelphia representative Kevin Boyle due to mental health concerns. Other House incumbents also faced tough primaries, with some emerging victorious and others awaiting results.
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, known for his controversial business practices and prison sentence, is seeking the Democratic nomination for a West Virginia Senate seat. Despite his background and lack of political success, he believes he aligns most closely with West Virginians. However, his candidacy poses challenges for Democrats, who face a difficult election in a state that strongly supported Trump. The primary will also include Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury, while Republicans Jim Justice and Alex Mooney are competing for their party’s nomination.
The Cumberland County Bureau of Elections has released the unofficial results from Tuesday’s general primary election. With all 118 precincts reporting, 21,592 Democrats and 27,024 Republicans cast their votes, totaling 48,616 ballots. The Bureau of Elections issued 18,894 mail-in and absentee ballots, of which 14,963 were returned and counted. The unofficial results are available on the Cumberland County elections website.
In a surprise upset, small business owner Erin McClelland has secured the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania treasurer in Tuesday’s primary election. McClelland triumphed over Ryan Bizzarro, receiving 56% of the vote despite lacking the endorsement of the state Democratic Party. On the Republican side, incumbent Stacy Garrity ran unopposed. The primary race for treasurer gained traction due to heated rhetoric and scrutiny over McClelland’s political fundraising reports. The Pennsylvania Treasury holds significant responsibilities, including managing over $150 billion in state funds and overseeing programs like unclaimed property and college savings. The upcoming November election is expected to intensify as Democrats aim to reclaim the row office lost in 2020.
Erin McClelland, a former Allegheny County project manager, has defeated party-endorsed candidate Ryan Bizzarro in the Democratic primary for state treasurer. McClelland will now face Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity in the November general election. McClelland’s campaign focused on increasing transparency in the Treasury’s contract database, ensuring the well-being of state workers, and prioritizing domestic investments.
Democrat Rep. Patty Kim emerged victorious in her party’s primary for Pennsylvania’s 15th Senate District. With nearly 87% of the vote, Kim defeated Harrisburg pastor Alvin Q. Taylor. She will now face Republican Nick DiFrancesco, Dauphin County Treasurer, in the general election.
Eugene DePasquale emerged victorious from a competitive Democratic primary, while Dave Sunday won the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania Attorney General. The general election will be held on November 5th.
Veteran incumbent Robert Freeman has seemingly fended off his first primary challenge in decades, triumphing over Taiba Sultana in the Democratic primary for the 136th District’s state representative seat. Freeman, a seasoned politician, has held the position for a substantial 38 non-consecutive years. However, this primary election witnessed a spirited challenge from Sultana, a 40-year-old Easton City Council member known for her diverse life experiences and advocacy for marginalized communities. Despite raising concerns about irregularities in Sultana’s nomination petitions, Freeman ultimately emerged victorious with an overwhelming vote advantage. The 136th District encompasses various municipalities, including Easton, Wilson, and parts of Palmer Township, Williams Township, and Lower Saucon. Freeman will face no Republican challenger in the upcoming general election.
In the Democratic primary, Nick Pisciottano defeated Makenzie White to secure the nomination. Pisciottano, a state representative from West Mifflin, garnered 15,193 votes, while White received 5,808. In the Republican primary, Jen Dintini emerged victorious over Kami Stulginskas, securing 6,304 votes compared to Stulginskas’ 1,417. Dintini expressed gratitude for the support she received and emphasized her commitment to presenting an alternative to traditional politics. The 45th Senatorial District encompasses Allegheny County’s Mon Valley and eastern and southern suburbs. As incumbent Democratic Senator Jim Brewster prepares to retire, Republicans aim to seize the seat and maintain their majority in the state Senate, while Democrats strive to retain control of the seat and enhance their chances of gaining control. With Democrats holding a 2-1 voter registration advantage in the district, the race is expected to be competitive.
