On May 19, Pennsylvania voters head to the polls for the primary election, selecting Republican and Democratic candidates for the November midterm general election. This is a critical test for President Donald Trump’s second-term administration, as the outcome could determine which party controls the U.S. Congress.
Under state law, Pennsylvania operates a closed primary system: voters may only cast ballots for candidates in the party they are registered with. The voter registration deadline was May 4, and the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot was May 12. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Governor’s Race
Incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro (D) faces no challenger in his own party’s primary. He is often mentioned as a future presidential contender. On the Republican side, the sole candidate is state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who has been endorsed by former President Trump since January. However, supporters of former state Senator Doug Mastriano have launched a write-in campaign to protest Garrity. Mastriano has just been nominated by the Trump administration as U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia.
Lieutenant Governor and Congressional Seats
Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis will be the Democratic candidate. Among Republicans, Jason Richey – a lawyer from Allegheny County and Garrity’s chosen running mate – faces John Ventre, a former UPS executive. Ventre was accused by Garrity’s campaign of spreading false information on social media, posting a photo suggesting he and Garrity were an official ticket “effective May 20.” Garrity insists she has never met Ventre.
All 17 of Pennsylvania’s U.S. House seats have primaries, except one where the incumbent is not seeking reelection. Notably, the departure of Democratic Representative Dwight Evans makes the 3rd Congressional District (covering part of Philadelphia) competitive. Progressive candidate Chris Rabb (endorsed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) faces Ala Stanford and Sharif Street, two candidates seen as more traditional Democrats. According to Axios, Governor Shapiro used his influence to support other candidates over Rabb, who has criticized Shapiro on immigration and voiced pro-Palestinian stances – clashing with Shapiro’s pro-Israel positions.
State Legislature Outlook
Democrats hope to gain majorities in both chambers of the state legislature for the first time in decades. They currently hold a one-seat majority in the state House, while Republicans have controlled the state Senate for more than 30 years. Spotlight PA reports 228 legislative primaries this year, with districts 16 and 36 expected to be fiercely contested in November.
Polling Results
A Quinnipiac survey in February showed Governor Shapiro leading Garrity with 55% to 37%. Another poll by Susquehanna in April found Shapiro ahead with 58% to 36%.
