2021 Pennsylvania elections
Elections in Pennsylvania |
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Government |
The 2021 Pennsylvania elections were held on November 2, 2021 to fill judicial positions on the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, allow judicial retention votes, and fill numerous county, local and municipal offices. The necessary primary elections were held on May 18. In addition, special elections for legislative vacancies were held at various times in 2021.
Special elections[]
Pennsylvania State Senate[]
22nd senatorial district[]
On February 14, Democratic State Senator John Blake announced he would be resigning from the Senate to take a position with Congressman Matt Cartwright.[1] A special election was announced by Lt. Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman for May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary election.[2]
Democrats held a special convention where State Representative Marty Flynn won the party's nomination.[3] Republicans nominated Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak.[4] The Libertarian Party nominated Nathan Covington, and the Green Party nominated Marlene Sebastianelli.[5] Flynn defeated the field the special election.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Marty Flynn | 30,548 | 51.7 | ||
Republican | Chris Chermak | 22,465 | 38.0 | ||
Green | Marlene Sebastianelli | 5,373 | 9.1 | ||
Libertarian | Nathan Covington | 698 | 1.2 | ||
Total votes | 59,084 | 100.0 | |||
Democratic hold |
48th senatorial district[]
A special election was announced by Lt. Governor (and Senate President) John Fetterman to coincide with the 2021 primaries on May 18 following the death of State Senator Dave Arnold.[7]
The Libertarian Party nominated York County business owner and farmer Timothy McMaster.[8] Former state representative Edward H. Krebs announced he would launch an independent bid for this seat.[9] Democrats nominated Dr. Calvin Clements, a retired veterinarian.[10] Republicans nominated Lebanon County businessman Christopher Gebhard.[11]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Chris Gebhard | 30,367 | 62.0 | ||
Democratic | Calvin Clements | 14,806 | 30.2 | ||
Independent | Edward H. Krebs | 2,326 | 4.7 | ||
Libertarian | Timothy McMaster | 1,499 | 3.1 | ||
Total votes | 48,998 | 100.0 | |||
Republican hold |
Pennsylvania House of Representatives[]
59th legislative district[]
House Speaker Bryan Cutler announced a special election for the 59th legislative district will take place on May 18 (in conjunction with the 2021 primary) after the death of Republican State Representative Mike Reese.[13]
Democrats nominated Ligonier Borough Councilwoman Mariah Fisher.[14] Republicans held a special convention and nominated Leslie Rossi, a Latrobe native and creator of the "Trump House".[15] The Libertarian Party nominated Robb Luther.[16]
Rossi defeated Fisher and Luther in the special election, and will become the district's first female representative.[17]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Leslie Rossi | 10,538 | 65.0 | ||
Democratic | Mariah Fisher | 5,272 | 32.5 | ||
Libertarian | Robb Luther | 402 | 2.5 | ||
Total votes | 16,015 | 100.0 | |||
Republican hold |
60th legislative district[]
On March 16, State Representative Jeff Pyle announced his retirement due to health issues.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 60th legislative district on May 18, in conjunction with the 2021 primary.[20]
Republicans nominated Pyle's chief of staff Abby Major. Libertarians nominated Waynesburg University senior Drew Hreha.[21] Democrats nominated Dr. Frank Prazenica Jr., a retired colonel in the United States Army Reserve.[22]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Abby Major | 10,116 | 72.6 | ||
Democratic | Frank C. Prazenica Jr. | 3,249 | 23.3 | ||
Libertarian | Andrew Hreha | 568 | 4.1 | ||
Total votes | 13,933 | 100.0 | |||
Republican hold |
113th legislative district[]
As a result of his State Senate special election victory, Marty Flynn resigned from his State House seat on June 9.[19] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 113th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[24]
Democrats nominated Flynn's chief of staff Thom Welby.[25] Republicans nominated Dominick Manetti, a former deputy sheriff of Lackawanna County.[26]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Thom Welby | 9,191 | 68.8 | |
Republican | Dominick Manetti | 3,698 | 27.7 | |
Libertarian | Bonnie Flaherty | 466 | 3.5 | |
Total votes | 13,355 | 100.0 | ||
Democratic hold |
164th legislative district[]
On July 22, State Representative Margo L. Davidson resigned her seat after being charged with stealing from the Commonwealth by filing fraudulent overnight per diem requests and various other expenses through the State House Comptroller's Office as well as hindering a state prosecution.[27] House Speaker Bryan Cutler called for a special election for the 164th legislative district on November 2, in conjunction with the 2021 general election.[28]
Democrats nominated Upper Darby School District board member Gina Curry. Republicans nominated Brian Sharif Taylor, a United States Army veteran. Libertarians nominated community activist Aniket Josan.[29]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Gina Curry | 6,469 | 78.79 | |
Republican | Brian Sharif Taylor | 1,528 | 18.61 | |
Libertarian | Aniket Josan | 213 | 2.59 | |
Total votes | 8,210 | 100.00 | ||
Democratic hold |
Justice of the Supreme Court[]
One vacancy will occur after Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75 on December 14, 2021.[30]
Democratic primary[]
Maria McLaughlin, a judge on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.[31][32]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
Maria McLaughlin | Unopposed | ||
Total votes | 945,138 | 100.00 |
Republican primary[]
Candidates[]
- P. Kevin Brobson, President Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania[31]
- Patricia McCullough, Judge, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania[31]
- Paula A. Patrick, Judge Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[31]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
P. Kevin Brobson | 505,084 | 52.21 | |
Patricia McCullough | 317,975 | 32.87 | |
Paula A. Patrick | 144,291 | 14.92 | |
Total votes | 967,350 | 100.00 |
General election[]
Results[]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Kevin Brobson | 1,397,100 | 50.45 | ||
Democratic | Maria McLaughlin | 1,372,182 | 49.55 | ||
Total votes | 2,769,282 | 100.00 | |||
Republican hold |
Republican Kevin Brobson was elected.[34]
Judge of the Superior Court[]
One vacancy was created when President Judge Emeritus Susan P. Gantman took senior status in 2020.[30]
Democratic primary[]
Candidates[]
- Timika Lane, Judge, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[35][36]
- Jill Beck, Allegheny County attorney[35][37]
- Bryan Neft, Allegheny County attorney[35][38]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
Timika Lane | 482,433 | 48.83 | |
Jill Beck | 392,205 | 39.70 | |
Bryan Neft | 113,393 | 11.48 | |
Total votes | 988,031 | 100.00 |
Republican primary[]
, a Chester County attorney and ex-wife of former State Representative Warren Kampf, ran unopposed in the Republican primary.[35][39][32]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
Unopposed | |||
Total votes | 881,046 | 100.00 |
General election[]
Results[]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 1,478,252 | 53.62 | |||
Democratic | Timika Lane | 1,278,771 | 46.38 | ||
Total votes | 2,757,023 | 100.00 | |||
Republican hold |
Republican Megan Sullivan was elected.[34]
Judge of the Commonwealth Court[]
Two vacancies were created after Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt declined to run for retention and Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter took senior status.[40]
Democratic primary[]
Candidates[]
- , Judge, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[35][41]
- Amanda Green-Hawkins, attorney and former Allegheny County Council member, nominee for Superior Court of Pennsylvania in 2019[35][42]
- David Spurgeon, Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas[35][43]
- Sierra Street, Judge, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas[35][44]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
517,311 | 29.70 | ||
David Spurgeon | 460,769 | 26.46 | |
Amanda Green-Hawkins | 445,400 | 25.56 | |
Sierra Street | 318,017 | 18.26 | |
Total votes | 1,741,497 | 100.00 |
Republican primary[]
and Drew Crompton ran unopposed in the Republican primary.[35][32]
Results[]
Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|
704,706 | 50.32 | ||
Drew Crompton (incumbent) | 695,748 | 49.68 | |
Total votes | 1,400,454 | 100.00 |
General election[]
Results[]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 1,355,445 | 26.56 | |||
Democratic | 1,297,253 | 25.42 | |||
Republican | Drew Crompton (incumbent) | 1,274,899 | 24.98 | ||
Democratic | David Spurgeon | 1,175,974 | 23.04 | ||
Total votes | 5,103,571 | 100.00 | |||
Republican hold | |||||
Democratic gain from Republican |
Republican Stacy Marie Wallace was elected.[34] A recount was triggered because Dumas and Crompton finished within half a percentage point of each other in the initial tally. On November 23, counties completed the recount, and Crompton conceded to Dumas. The following day, statewide recount results were published, which affirmed Dumas's lead.[45]
Judicial Retention[]
Superior Court[]
Judges and Mary Jane Bowes were up for retention in 2021.[40]
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,428,650 | 62.19 |
No | 868,407 | 37.81 |
Total votes | 2,297,057 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,447,916 | 63.31 |
No | 839,106 | 36.69 |
Total votes | 2,287,022 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Commonwealth Court[]
Judges and were up for retention in 2021.[40]
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,410,818 | 61.78 |
No | 872,863 | 38.22 |
Total votes | 2,283,681 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,426,901 | 62.75 |
No | 847,169 | 37.25 |
Total votes | 2,274,070 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Mayoral Elections[]
Pittsburgh[]
Lancaster[]
Allentown[]
Harrisburg[]
Ballot Questions[]
Pennsylvania voters considered three constitutional amendments and one statewide referendum in the May 18 primary.
Constitutional Amendments[]
Restricting emergency disaster declarations and powers[]
In 2020, Governor Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency for the state of Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Republicans, lead by state representative Russ Diamond, opposed these public-health measures and introduced two amendments (2021-01 and 2021-02) to the Pennsylvania Constitution to restrict the emergency powers of the governor.[46] Resolutions 2021-01 and 2021-02 were on the May primary ballot.
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,165,851 | 52.05 |
No | 1,074,205 | 47.95 |
Total votes | 2,240,056 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,174,528 | 51.97 |
No | 1,085,371 | 48.03 |
Total votes | 2,259,899 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Racial equality[]
A third constitutional amendment (2021-03) would create a prohibition against denying an individual's rights because of race or ethnicity.[47] Resolution 2021-03 was on the May primary ballot.
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,629,889 | 72.31 |
No | 624,205 | 27.69 |
Total votes | 2,254,094 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
Statewide Referendum[]
Act 91 of 2020 placed before the electorate a question about allowing municipal fire companies, ambulance services, and rescue squads to use loans which are usually only allowed for volunteer companies.[48] The Act 91 referendum was placed on the May primary ballot.
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Yes | 1,629,773 | 72.89 |
No | 606,147 | 27.11 |
Total votes | 2,235,920 | 100.00 |
Source: PA Department of State |
References[]
- ^ Caruso, Stephen (February 14, 2021). "Scranton Democratic state Sen. John Blake set to resign office for job with Cartwright". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ Cole, John (March 16, 2021). "SD22: Special Election To Take Place On May 18". PoliticsPA. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ Hofius, Sarah (March 13, 2021). "Local Democrats choose Flynn to run for state Senate seat". Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Wilkes Lesnefsky, Frank (March 25, 2021). "GOP picks Chermak to run for 22nd seat". Scranton Times-Tribune. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Lange, Stacy (May 1, 2021). "State senate candidates debate". WNEP-TV. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Special Election 22nd Senatorial District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ Murphy, Jan (January 25, 2021). "Special election date set to fill seat left vacant by Sen. Dave Arnold's death". pennlive. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ Murphy, Jan (March 4, 2021). "Open 48th Senatorial District seat draws interest from 13 candidates". PennLive. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Cole, John (March 10, 2021). "SD48: Krebs Launches Bid for Special Election As An Independent". PoliticsPA. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
- ^ Murphy, Jan (March 14, 2021). "Democrats recommend veterinarian to vie for open Senate seat". PennLive. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Murphy, Jan (March 6, 2021). "GOP chooses Lebanon County businessman to run for open Senate seat". PennLive. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Special Election 48th Senatorial District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ Cole, John (January 12, 2021). "HD59: Special Election Set for May 18". PoliticsPA. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
- ^ Signorini, Renatta (February 6, 2021). "Ligonier councilwoman selected as Democratic nominee for 59th District seat". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ Johnson, Dylan (February 23, 2021). "Trump House owner gets GOP nod to run for Pa. 59th district seat". York Daily Record. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ Delano, Jon (May 4, 2021). "Voters In Part Of Westmoreland Co. Will Pick New State Rep. In Special Election On May 18". KDKA-TV. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ Matoney, Nick (May 19, 2021). "Westmoreland County's Leslie Rossi, creator of Trump House, to fill seat of late Rep. Mike Reese". WTAE-TV. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Special Election 59th Legislative District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ a b "Pa. state Rep. Jeff Pyle will retire, citing health issues". WTAE. March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ Cole, John (March 17, 2021). "HD60: Special Election Set for May 18". PoliticsPA. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ Thomas, Mary Ann (March 25, 2021). "Former state Rep. Jeff Pyle's staffer wins GOP nomination for special election, Dems choose Thursday night". Tribune Review. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Cloonan, Patrick (March 26, 2021). "Parties choose candidates to succeed Pyle". The Indiana Gazette. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Special Election 60th Legislative District". Pennsylvania Elections. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ Cole, John (June 9, 2021). "HD113: Special Election Set For November 2". PoliticsPA. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
- ^ Krawczeniuk, Borys (June 26, 2021). "Only one Democrat applies for Flynn's House seat". Yahoo News. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
- ^ Lockwood, Jim (July 25, 2021). "Republicans recommend Manetti to run for 113th state House District seat". Yahoo News. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
- ^ Couloumbis, Angela; Vella, Vinny (July 22, 2021). "Pa. state lawmaker from Delaware County charged with theft after years-long investigation". Spotlight PA. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Miller, Cassie (August 2, 2021). "Special election for former Rep. Margo Davidson's seat to be held Nov. 2". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "Unofficial List of Candidates: 2021 Special Election 164th legislative district" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
- ^ a b "A full guide to Pennsylvania's 2021 Supreme Court election and other appellate judicial races". Spotlight PA. October 14, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening". Associated Press. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Philly judges win Democratic primaries for statewide courts". Associated Press. May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Pennsylvania Department of State. "Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Official Returns – Statewide". Pennsylvania Election Returns. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
- ^ a b c "2021 Pennsylvania Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "PA Candidate Listing". Pennsylvania Department of State. March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Judge Timika Lane for Superior Court - A Life of Public Service". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Jill Beck for Superior Court". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Bryan Neft For Judge In The Pennsylvania Superior Court". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ Caruso, Stephen (February 12, 2021). "With one Supreme Court seat up for grabs, Pa.'s 2021 judicial elections start to take shape". Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Declarations of Candidacy Filed by Incumbent Judges for Retention in 2021" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
- ^ "Elect Judge Lori Dumas | Commonwealth Court of PA". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Amanda Green-Hawkins for Commonwealth Court". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Judge Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Judge Sierra Street – Judge Sierra Street". Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "Republican candidate in Pa. court race concedes after recount". WFMZ-TV. November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ Fernandez, Cynthia (January 13, 2021). "Pa. GOP lawmakers want voters to give them the power to end governor's emergency orders". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
- ^ Heinze, Justin (March 15, 2021). "3 Ballot Initiatives In PA: Governor's Powers And Racial Justice". PA Patch. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
- ^ "Pennsylvania's 2021 primary election four ballot questions explained | FOX43 Capitol Beat". fox43.com. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
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