For the first time in 33 years, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party has all three levers of state government, holding onto the governor’s office and the majority in the State House, while also flipping the State Senate.
It was one of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s stated goals during his campaign and his coattails provided a boost for insurgent candidates to oust Republican incumbents.
Shapiro defeated Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 60.2-38.5%, for the third-largest margin of difference in a gubernatorial race in the Commonwealth since World War II.
Largest Margin of Victory Since World War II
| Year | Winner | Opponent | Margin |
| 1990 | Bob Casey Sr. (D) | Barbara Hafer (R) | 35.3% (1,077,818) |
| 1998 | Tom Ridge (R) | Ivan Itkin (D), Peg Luksik | 26.49% (798,099) |
| 2026 | Josh Shapiro (D) | Stacy Garrity (R) | 21.7% (1,063,000 est.) |
| 2006 | Ed Rendell (D) | Lynn Swann (R) | 20.72% (848,382) |
Democrats were able to add an additional eight seats and increase its majority in the State House to 111-92. Seven candidates were able to oust incumbents, including:
Republicans were able to flip one Democratic seat, as Scott Timko reversed the tables on Brandon Dukes in HD-12, 50.9-49.1%. Dukes had edged Timko in a special election during the summer.
The last time Democrats held as many as 109 seats was following the 1976 election when the party held an 118-85 majority in the chamber.
Democrats will hold the majority in the Senate for the first time since 1993 after flipping four GOP seats.
Republicans did win back the 36th Senatorial District seat in northern Lancaster County, as Tom Jones defeated James Malone, 54.6-45.4%.
“For the first time in decades, Pennsylvanians used their power tonight to flip the state Senate so that we can deliver even more results for our communities,” said Shapiro. “Now, with a Democratic trifecta, we’ll be able to get even more stuff done — from raising the minimum wage and lowering costs, to giving survivors their day in court, to building more housing and codifying abortion rights. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to win up and down the ballot and to have supported Chris Thomas, Eileen Hartnett Albillar, Mark Pinsley, and Brian Wrightson from Day One in their campaigns. I look forward to having them as strong partners in getting stuff done in Harrisburg and making real progress for all Pennsylvanians.”
“Tonight, Pennsylvanians made history — putting an end to decades of Republicans standing in the way of progress for our Commonwealth and electing a Democratic trifecta that’s ready to get to work on Day One and work with Governor Shapiro to deliver for working people in Harrisburg by raising the minimum wage, codifying protections for reproductive rights, and implementing policies to make housing more affordable,” said PA Dems chair Eugene DePasquale.
