Although Democrats had a tough night statewide and nationally — Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris both in the commonwealth and nationally for President and Republicans won all three state row offices — locally they were able to hold their Congressional and state legislative seats in Tuesday’s election.
The US Senate race between long-time Democratic incumbent Bob Casey Jr. and Republican Dave McCormick was still, as of Wednesday morning, too close to call. McCormick had a 75,000 vote lead statewide with 93% of precincts counted. Republicans regained control of the US Senate.
Republicans Dave Sunday defeated Democrat Eugene DePasquale in the Attorney General race; Republican Tim DeFoor held off Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta in the Auditor General race and Stacy Garrity won reelection as state Treasurer winning out over Democrat Erin McClelland.
Democratic state Senators John Kane defeated Republican Mike Woodin in the 9th Senatorial District and Democratic incumbent Carolyn Comitta held off former State Rep. Duane Milne in the 19th District.
In the General Assembly, Democrats won all but two races: Paul Friel beat Shawn Blickley in the 26th, Danielle Otten beat Rodney Simon in the 155th, Chris Pielli defeated Kris R. Vollrath in the 156th, Melissa Shusterman beat Regina Mauro in the 157th, Christina Sappey defeated Tina Ayala in the 158th and Kristine Howard defeated Melissa Dicranian in the 167th.
Republican incumbent John Lawrence defeated Christian Luna in the 13th and Elizabeth Moro lost to incumbent Craig Williams in the 160th (Moro did garner more votes than Williams in Chester County, but lost the Delaware County portion of the district.
“Although we are disappointed, we left nothing undone and we accept the decision of the American people,” said Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Charlotte Valyo in a statement. “We will continue to work towards bipartisan solutions to the problems that face our nation and the world. Our Democratic elected officials will continue to govern for all their constituents and work to improve the lives of all Americans.”