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Women break through in Pennsylvania primaries

The Women's March in Las Vegas. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

There are now seven women in Pennsylvania heading to the general election in November after last night's congressional primaries.

Why it matters: Six of them are Democrats, and Pennsylvania — with a new map that favors the party — could be a significant path to retaking the House.

Three EMILY's List-endorsed candidates advanced to the general, giving the Democratic women's group a new playbook to replicate across the country.

  • They used a combination of direct mail and TV advertising for their candidates, sometimes opting for just one to target voters. The group plans to invest tens of millions in 2018 races, so expect additional funds to go toward these PA women.
  • The other side: The National Republican Congressional Committee plans to spend nearly $8 million on TV ads in Philadelphia this fall, the NYT reports.
  • Two of the EMILY's List-endorsed candidates who didn't advance had unique circumstances. One was challenging a Democrat backed by state party leaders while the other was the first progressive and woman of color to run in her red district.

What they're saying: John Morganelli, who lost to Susan Wild in one of the Democratic primaries: "Susan Wild is part of the wave. The women are out there."

2018 midterm elections