Sabih Leads Mackenzie in 131st District Race
Democrat Meriam Sabih declared victory over incumbent Republican Milou Mackenzie in a close Pennsylvania House contest that remains unresolved.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Meriam Sabih pulled ahead of incumbent Republican Milou Mackenzie in the 131st District, and Sabih declared victory Wednesday morning. Unofficial results showed Sabih ahead by less than a thousand votes with 96% of precincts reporting, but the AP has not declared a winner and Mackenzie has not conceded.
Why it matters
The outcome affects control of the Pennsylvania House, where the AP showed Democrats holding a 108 to 86 advantage with nine races still uncalled. Because the margin is under a thousand votes, the final result will depend on the remaining count.
The unofficial count shows Sabih ahead by fewer than 1,000 votes with 96% of precincts reporting, against a House split of 108 Democratic seats to 86 Republican. Nine House races remain uncalled, and the final margin in the 131st District has not been certified.
The players
Meriam Sabih
Sabih is a Democratic candidate and freelance journalist from Upper Saucon Township who is challenging for the 131st District seat.
Milou Mackenzie
Mackenzie is the Republican incumbent in the 131st District who has not conceded the race.
The details
The 131st District spans Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties, including Coopersburg and several townships in each. Sabih, 47, is a freelance journalist, and her declaration came before any winner was called by the AP.
Timeline
Wednesday morning: Sabih declares victory as unofficial results show her ahead.
Legislative Balance
The 131st District contest bears directly on the 108-86 Democratic advantage the AP currently reports in the Pennsylvania House. Each of the nine uncalled races could move that split as counting finishes.
Residents of the 131st District will learn which candidate represents them only after the AP calls the race or the count is certified. Until then, the seat's representation in Harrisburg remains unsettled.
The takeaway
Close House races can hinge on a few hundred votes, so voters should watch for official certification rather than early unofficial tallies. The final count will determine both the 131st District seat and the broader chamber balance.
Further reading
Track more coverage in Legislative Policy for context on how state House control is decided.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Morning Call.
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