What Dem control means for Pennsylvania
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Democrats in Pennsylvania will fully control state government — governor's office and both state Legislature chambers — starting in January.
Why it matters: For the first time in more than 30 years, Dems can push through their long wish list of priorities, including raising the minimum wage and protecting abortion rights, without Republican interference, said Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Democratic leaders on Wednesday.
Catch up quick: Pennsylvania Dems secured a big House majority with at least 111 of 203 seats and flipped Senate control (26-24), per the Associated Press' projections.
🗓️ First 100 days: During a news conference in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Shapiro and Dems laid out their agenda for the start of 2027:
- 🚇 Increasing funding for mass transit
- 💵 Raising the minimum wage
- 🩺 Protecting abortion rights
- ⚖️ Creating a retroactive statute of limitations civil window for abuse survivors
- 🏗️ Building more housing
🤷 TBD: Shapiro was noncommittal on several other issues when asked by reporters on Wednesday, including:
- 🏳️🌈 Expanding LGBTQ+ rights
- 🌿 Legalizing recreational cannabis, anti-gun bills, clean energy policies and criminal justice reform.
Friction point: The Dems take over with high-priced plans as Pennsylvania barrels toward a massive budget deficit in future years.
- Yes, but: The state's need for new revenue could open the door for (relatively) quick deals on legalizing recreational weed and skill games.
Between the lines: The Dems' center of gravity for political power rests in the Philly region — which could bring big benefits to Southeastern Pennsylvania.
- In the House. Rep. Joanna McClinton (Philly and Delaware Counties) is the current speaker.
- Her leadership includes Reps. Jordan Harris in Philly and Tina Davis in Bucks County.
- Plus: Shapiro lives in Montgomery County.
Meanwhile, Jay Costa from Allegheny County leads Dems in the Senate.
- But the Philly region is well represented in the upper chamber's leadership, which includes Sens. Christine Tartaglione from Philly and Maria Collett from Montgomery County.
👀 1 early stress test: Whether Dems maintain current House and Senate leadership — or a battle for top roles breaks out.
- In their newfound political power, unification could help get things done.
The other side: "We have work to do, and we will take the time to analyze these results, strengthen our organization, and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead," Sen. Greg Rothman, head of the state's Republican Party, said in a statement following the party's losses.
What's next: Dems take over when they're sworn in on Jan. 5.