What Happens if One Party Wins PA? – The Philadelphia Citizen

What Happens if One Party Wins PA?  The Philadelphia Citizen

If the 2026 midterms end Pennsylvania’s split legislature, you’ll see effects on affordability, election reform, marijuana and more While many people are paying attention to how the 2026 midterm elections might change the balance of power in Washington, D.C., it is also a potentially pivotal election here in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro is up for reelection, running against Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, the current state treasurer. Who wins that race will certainly shape the state’s policy agenda for the next two years. In the General Assembly, which is currently split — Republicans control the Senate and Democrats control the House — both chambers are also up for grabs. Democrats have been slowly eroding the Republicans’ hold over the Senate.

In the House, Democrats have a three-seat majority, but Republicans could flip it. Of course, nationally the wind is at the back of Democrats. Commentators are contemplating the possibility of a Democratic trifecta in Pennsylvania for the first time since 1993. I teach public policy at Penn State Harrisburg and have a particular interest in PA state politics. I think voters should understand not just the positions of the individual candidates on the ballot, but what the legislative priorities will be for either party if they gain control of the General Assembly. For a glimpse at potential Democratic priorities should they