This page covers political parties in Pennsylvania, from Democratic and Republican primaries to third-party ballot access efforts and party platform changes. Reporting follows the internal dynamics of each party alongside the contests they shape across the state.
The Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition is pressing the newly Democrat-controlled state government to legalize adult-use cannabis.
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Should Pennsylvania legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis?
November 4, 2026
Democrats Flip Pennsylvania House Seat in MidtermsJanelle Stelson defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in a rematch of their 2024 race in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District.
November 4, 2026
Warren Unseats Emrick in Pennsylvania House RaceDemocrat Jeff Warren defeated Republican state Rep. Joe Emrick in the 137th District during the 2026 midterm elections.
November 3, 2026
Pennsylvania GOP Loses 5,372 Registered VotersRepublican registration has dropped since January 5 while Democrats gained 70,889 voters over the same period.
October 30, 2026
Pennsylvania Democrats Maintain Voter Registration LeadThe Democratic Party currently holds a 247,000 voter registration lead across Pennsylvania.
October 27, 2026
Pennsylvania GOP Mailer Directs Voters to Sex LineA state Republican party advertisement attacks a House candidate by including a phone number for a sex service.
October 22, 2026
Matthew Dowling Invites John Fetterman to Join GOPFormer state representative Matthew Dowling encourages John Fetterman to switch to the Republican Party.
October 20, 2026
Pennsylvania GOP Candidates Feature Democrat ShapiroRepublican candidates are highlighting bipartisan efforts with Governor Josh Shapiro to reach swing voters in key districts.
October 7, 2026
Fetterman Favorable Ratings Higher Among GOPA new Quinnipiac poll shows Senator John Fetterman has greater favorability with Pennsylvania Republicans than Democrats.
October 6, 2026
Pennsylvania House Passed Open Primary LegislationState lawmakers moved to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections.
September 30, 2026
Pennsylvania House Passed Primary Voting BillThe state legislature approved a measure allowing independent voters to participate in primary elections.
Coverage takes in primary results, party fundraising reports, leadership fights and the organizing that happens between election cycles. Reporting reaches from the state capital to the rural counties, where party committees and local chapters set much of the day-to-day agenda. Primary turnout and the gap between statewide and local party organizations come up repeatedly, since the two often pull in different directions. Ballot access rules and the timing of candidate filings are the constraints that shape which contests reach voters in the first place.
