Unlikely Victories: Pennsylvania Politicians Overcome Challenges in GOP and Democratic Primaries

In Pennsylvania, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has once again emerged victorious in the GOP primary for the 1st District, defeating his right-flank challenger Mark Houck. This marks his continued success in fending off primary challengers since his initial election in 2016. Fitzpatrick will now face Democrat Ashley Ehasz in the upcoming fall election, the same opponent he defeated by 10 points in 2022.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Brown in West Philadelphia and state Rep. Salisbury in the Pittsburgh area are holding off challenges from the left. The New York Times reports that Blackwell and Green may have split the vote against Rep. Brown. In the Democratic race for state Senate in Erie, Erie County Democratic Party Chair Jim Wertz is projected to defeat former Fetterman staffer Selena King.

Looking ahead to the state treasurer race, whoever secures a spot on the ballot may face challenges given Pennsylvanians’ views on the economy. According to a GBAO/Fabrizio Lee/Wall Street Journal poll, Pennsylvania voters are more positive about the U.S. economy’s direction compared to voters in other swing states. However, satisfaction with the Pennsylvania economy specifically is lower, with only 20 percent believing it has improved in the last two years.

In other news, Dave Sunday has been projected as the Republican nominee for attorney general after winning his primary race with 66 percent of the vote and 31 percent reporting. On